Colleagues | Are workplace friendships a good idea?

The Office for National Statistics found that the average hours worked per week in the UK is 37.2hours.

Chances are, working with people for that long in a job you’ll probably consider at least one or two of them friends. But is that really a good idea? Should companies allow or prevent workplace friendships?

Companies have a duty of sorts to look out for and stop inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. This includes stuff like bullying, abuse of authority, favouritism, and conflicting interests. The company’s approach can, more often than not, stifle the chances to develop a friendship in work. Despite this, people still make friends and a 2014 survey by relate found that 58% of people had at least one friend in the office. Is that a bad thing or a good thing? Here are some of the arguments:

GOOD