Why Socialization in the Workplace Matters

Why Socialization Matters

While remote working and hybrid work schedules have become the norm, many things about the workplace have stayed the same. One thing that hasn’t changed is employees’ desire for connection.

As much as they may love working on the couch in their pajamas, there are some things workers can’t get from working at home. Many people still value having a community in the workplace and socializing with coworkers.

Employees seek out the ability to make conversation and form relationships with their colleagues. There is plenty of value in taking breaks and devoting time to socializing in your place of business. Socialization can significantly impact not only individual well-being but also overall organizational success.

A recent study by E15 Group surveyed over 30.000 employees across 21 countries to better understand their behaviors, attitudes, and preferences surrounding socializing in the workplace. In this article, we’ll explore these insights and how socialization in the workplace benefits everyone involved.

How Socializing at Work Benefits Employees

Improved Employee Well-Being

Socialization statistics

Working is a big part of our lives, and the hours we put in at the office or worksite affect us. It’s important that we look out for our well-being while at work and create environments where we can thrive.

How social employees are at work significantly impacts overall employee well-being. Employees who have friends at work tend to be happier than those who don’t.  86% of employees feel having good relationships with colleagues is important to their overall happiness at work, and 76% of employees feel having good relationships with colleagues is beneficial for their well-being. When employees are happy with their work environment, they tend to be more productive and motivated and lead happier, healthier lives.

Encouraging Professional Growth

A social workplace can also encourage career growth that can make employees feel professionally fulfilled. Forging relationships with colleagues can lead to valuable networking opportunities. As employees work together and exchange insights, mentorship, and career advice, employees can learn from those around them. They can then grow professionally, learn new skills, and even advance their careers.

Improving Employees’ Mental Health

We’ve all been stressed about work at one point or another. The workplace can be a source of stress and anxiety for many employees. Handling these emotions alone can be isolating and worsen negative thoughts and emotions. When employees are in a supportive work environment, they can lean on others for help.

By simply having a light-hearted conversation or sharing personal experiences with co-workers, an employee may feel less stressed and more supported at work. A strong sense of community can create a healthy workplace culture and promote employees’ mental well-being.

How Socializing at Work Benefits Your Organization

Boosting Collaboration and Productivity

Increasing socialization in your workplace not only improves individuals’ well-being, but it also contributes to the overall success of your business. A satisfied, more productive workforce can also foster a more effective one.

By encouraging open communication with employees, you are encouraging employees to gain a deeper understanding of each worker’s strengths, weaknesses, and work styles. When people get to know each other on a personal level, they’re more likely to communicate openly and constructively, reducing the number of misunderstandings and conflicts that might arise. Employees in very social workplaces are more likely to agree that they work well with others and provide accurate, quality work, on schedule, than those who are not.

Higher Company Loyalty

Likelihood to stay at current organization based on workplace friendship status

Employees are loyal to companies that encourage socialization. Employees who have friends at work tend to be happier with their employers and are less likely to be looking to leave their current company. This loyalty helps your business retain its most talented workers.

Loyal employees are also more likely to recommend the company they work for to others. This improves your company’s reputation and may help you attract and recruit new talent.

Return to Office

Most people who have had the opportunity to work remotely enjoy it, and many people prefer it to being on-site for work. Unfortunately, working remotely can also make people feel isolated and create a disconnect within your workforce. Socialization can be a great incentive to encourage remote workers to return to the workplace.

74% of employees (nearly three-fourths) say they would come to the office more often if there were more events to socialize with peers.

While there’s always the opportunity to host virtual company events, not all employees within your company may be willing to participate. In fact, 26% of employees never socialize virtually.

How to Make Your Workplace More Social

Implement the Right Break Spaces

While at work, people most often communicate while on breaks. Stepping away from one’s desk or workstation can be a great way to recharge and indulge in casual conversation with work friends. Having the right environment to facilitate these breaks is important.

Creating welcoming spaces where employees can relax and replenish is a great way to encourage employees to take breaks and socialize. 71% of employees say it is important that social spaces look and feel like somewhere they want to spend time. 

If your break spaces need a refresher, Canteen can help you build your dream breakroom. We work with your team and your unique space to build breakroom experiences that your employees want to utilize.

Offer Food and Beverage ServicesCanteen Avenue C

Food and drinks bring people together. Whether your team meets over cups of coffee or a quick bite to eat, people are likely to start a conversation when they link up. 

The majority of employees today agree that it is important to have on-site food and beverage offerings in the workplace. 70% of employees feel it is important that there is food and drink provided in the workplace whether it’s free or paid. Not only is it important to provide the amenities, but it is also important to provide a space where people can enjoy them. 74% of employees feel it is important there is somewhere for employees to sit and eat together.

Canteen provides a full-service breakroom solution. Whether you’re looking to keep things simple with a small collection of snacks or want to provide lunches with a full dining operation, we’re here to work with your team to identify your options.

Host Organized Events

You can’t expect your employees to do all of the heavy lifting. While day-to-day conversation is great, it’s always nice to see a company extend a little extra effort to take care of its people. Hosting a company-wide event is another great way to encourage socialization across your organization. And your employees are likely to appreciate it. Two in three employees find it important that there are employer-organized social events.

Where there’s an event, there should be food. Food and drink events are at the top of the list when it comes to desired social activities, once again demonstrating that food and beverage play a central role in encouraging socialization.

 

No matter the setting, people need a community to feel a sense of belonging. In an era where remote work and digital communication dominate, people greatly value in-person socialization in the workplace. By fostering an environment where socialization is encouraged, companies can improve employee satisfaction and drive operational success.

Food and beverage play a key role in bringing people together. By having the right offerings and spaces where people can enjoy them, your company can become more connected and successful. Making room for socialization in the workplace is an investment that pays off in so many ways. After all, a connected team is a thriving team.

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