Gallup’s “most controversial” question had nothing to do with politics
How 8 words changed the way the 80-year-old polling company views work relationships.
We’re in the throes of the presidential primaries and that means Gallup, the near century-old analytics and polling company, is back in the zeitgeist. Gallup’s famed public opinion polls have been used as a weathervane for presidential elections since Roosevelt and (despite recent criticisms) have become a de facto conduit for the voice of the American people.
But, Gallup’s most “controversial question” wasn’t political. In fact, it was just eight words:
“Do you have a best friend at work?”
Gallup analyst Annamarie Mann writes that the organization consistently found that “for women and men having a best friend at work leads to better performance.”
For example, although just “2 out of 10 U.S. employees strongly agree they have a best friend at work,” Gallup found that by increasing that ratio to 6 out of 10, organizations saw:
- 36% fewer safety incidents
- 7% more engaged customers
- 12% higher profit margins
Why?
Simply put, innovative thinking, risk-taking, and ownership at work require a culture of honesty, safety, and trust: AKA the foundation of a healthy friendship.
When employees have more intimate connections with their coworkers, they feel more engaged in their jobs and more empowered to “take positive actions that benefit the business.”
It’s especially important for underrepresented groups
Gallup also found that women who strongly agree that they have a best work friend are more confident in “their own, their team’s and their organization’s performance.” They are also more likely to “take risks that could lead to innovation” and more likely to enjoy what they do and feel recognized for their successes.
A study by the Columbia Business School found that this dynamic applies across other underrepresented groups including African-Americans, working mothers, older employees at younger startups, and those with conservative political views in a liberal-dominated organization.
Their research showed that “being one’s true self, disclosing elements of one’s personal life, and forming social connections” is easiest amongst people we view as similar to ourselves than it is across demographic boundaries like race, age, and gender. Yet, forming close relationships with coworkers strongly correlated to individuals’ professional advancement.
So why the heck are work friendships so polarizing?
The pitfalls of office romance are generally agreed upon — but what about office bromance?
Mann herself was surprised at the strong response the “best friend” question elicited from corporate clients. Yet, she found that many leaders and managers see a clear dividing line between work and home life. Just take the litany of cautionary results for the google search, “work friends:”
“no friends at work”
“working with friends problems”
“how to separate friendship from work”
“work colleagues are not your friends”
Despite a concrete link between friendship and employee effort, those opposed to mixing “business and pleasure” react strongly to the “best friends” question, from “bristling at the language” to pushing back on its relevance entirely.
Still, leaders should be wary of the “friendship = profit” mindset
One, because we believe people are worth more than their “output.” But two, we don’t advocate for locking employees in a room and forcing them to “bond” (although, we love an Escape Room as much as the next team).
Instead, we suggest promoting and (participating in) activities that create more opportunities for open communication and organic creativity: Whether through social activities, physical spaces designed to promote employee interaction, or shared digital spaces like Slack channels that allow for free-flowing idea-sharing.
And for the rest of you who are already on board the friendship train? This Valentine’s day, don’t forget to send a little love to your work bestie.
The Point: Wanna go fast? Go alone. Wanna go far? Go together.
