At Growth By Design, we believe intentional choices lead to impactful growth, whether you're shaping a thriving organization or a meaningful life. Here, we provide the practical information, tools, and frameworks to get you there. Today, let’s talk about one of the most overlooked levers for retention,  satisfaction and growth: work besties.

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Organizations with strong workplace friendships see up to 12% higher profits and 7% more customer engagement.

_{Source: Gallup: The Power of Work Friends}

I keep seeing this “work bestie” trend, where people are posting videos that showcase the unique bond and interactions with their close friend at work and how that shapes their day-to-day,  get it. Looking back, it was always the people, not just the projects or organization’s mission, that kept me engaged and committed. This isn’t just nostalgia – industrial-organizational psychology confirms that workplace friendships are far more than a feel-good bonus. When nurtured intentionally, they become a critical driver of retention, engagement, and business success.

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“Our research shows that employees who experience a strong sense of belonging and authentic connection at work – often fostered through supportive coworker relationships – report higher levels of well-being, engagement, and intent to stay with their organization.“

– McKinsey Health Institute, 2025

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The Data: How Work Besties Drive Real Outcomes

Some leaders worry that close friendships distract from productivity. The data says otherwise: strong social bonds fuel innovation and performance.

• Employees with a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be fully engaged and 50% more likely to feel connected to their company’s mission and values.
• Employees with close friendships at work are also significantly less likely to look for a new job while employed, and are more likely to recommend their workplace to others.
• A recent survey found that 76% of employees with close friends at work are far more likely to stay with their organization. In a real-world case, employees who formed at least one friendship at work saw their attrition rate drop from 47% to 28%.

It is not just internal metrics like retention and satisfaction that see a boost when work besties are bountiful. Gallup estimates that if organizations created cultures where friendships can grow among colleagues, organizations will realize 12% higher profit and a 7% boost in customer engagement.

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“Our research has repeatedly shown a concrete link between having a best friend at work and the amount of effort employees expend in their job.”

Gallup, 2018

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Building a Work Bestie Culture in a Remote and Hybrid World

Despite their importance, only 20% to 50% of employees have a close friend at work – a gap that’s grown with remote and hybrid models. With fewer organic moments for connection, leaders must be intentional about building workplace friendships.

In my own remote roles, the strongest connections came from making time for real conversation, not just work. Connection doesn’t happen by accident – it takes planning.

Innovative companies are stepping up: scheduling virtual coffee chats, forming interest groups, and pairing teammates as “buddies.” Even a few minutes for personal check-ins or celebrating wins can spark genuine bonds, no matter where your team sits.

Ready to build a culture where work besties thrive? Here’s how to start:

Tips & Tricks to Create a Work Bestie Culture

• Recognize the Value of Friendship: Treat workplace relationships as a strategic asset, not just a “nice-to-have.” The data shows a direct link to retention, engagement, and revenue. Invest in your culture as you would any other business priority.
• Measure Friendship as an Outcome: What gets measured matters. Consider adding questions about workplace friendships to your engagement surveys to track progress and impact.
• Facilitate Social Connections: Encourage team-building activities, interest-based groups, and informal gatherings – ideally during work hours and without leadership always present – to let authentic connections form.
• Carve Out Space to Connect: Push back against the back-to-back meeting culture. Dedicate the last five minutes of meetings to non-work check-ins, and create intentional spaces for employees to connect virtually.

Work Besties & You

The Work Bestie trend is more than charming videos – a signal that human connection is foundational to productivity and innovation. The data is clear: deep, supportive friendships at work are a strategic advantage for retention and revenue. Let’s make social connection a core part of your retention strategy.

At Kindred Consulting Group, we believe growth is mutual – when people thrive, organizations flourish. So friends, join me in designing workplaces where friendships aren’t just allowed, but encouraged. Let’s start today. What’s one thing you’ll do this week to foster connection on your team? Share your ideas or success stories in the comments – or tag your work bestie!

Onward and upward!
Katie