A recent study by Gallup has found that hostile or contentious workplace relationships can negatively affect organizational performance -- and that workplace friendships can help increase efficiency and effectiveness. Considering whether employees are engaged or disengaged in their work, the research indicates that positive work relationships help improve engagement, which increases productivity.
Interestingly, the study suggests that just less than 30% of employees are actually engaged. 54% of respondents report being "not engaged," while 17% are "actively disengaged." That surprised me. How engaged do you think you and your colleagues are? Do your workplace friendships make you more effective?
Related Stories: | Topics:Management, teamwork, Culture and Lifestyle, Relationships, Friendships |
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Recent Comments | 4 Total
June 21, 2004 at 3:43pm by Sandra
Lack of engagement is a direct result of lack of leadership. HOWEVER, leadership implies a journey that one needs the leadership for. If a company isn't going anywhere, it doesn't need much in the way of leaders, and will be perfectly happy with a bunch of unengaged employees. The less competitive the environment, the easier it is to go nowhere.
June 22, 2004 at 6:04am by sally foan
An emotionally intelligent workplace with interdependent staff, created by natural leaders, will together decide the best destination and therefore be more willing to embark and show grit and determination during the journey. Productvity and staff retention will be higher with staffing at 100% up to speed. Maximum challenge plus maximum support = maximum productivity!
June 25, 2004 at 3:23am by Gautam Ghosh
The problem is the view that personal and organizational success and performance depends solely on either the leader, individual or processes.
But what gets forgotten is the social ecology of an organization, which manifests for a person in his/her immediate team or proximity.
warm regards,
Gautam
June 30, 2004 at 2:18pm by claudia
I agree with Sally. Working in an environment where team members support and contribute to each other's success leads to employee engagement and improved productivity - provided there is clear direction and a challenge worthy of their talents.