Friendship at Work

You need people you actually like working with.

We talk a lot about performance, retention, and productivity when we think about workplace culture. But there’s something even more fundamental that shapes how people show up at work: friendship.

In fact, in a world where loneliness has become a public health crisis, building real relationships at work isn’t just a perk—it’s essential.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory, about half of U.S. adults report feeling lonely. And Gallup found that employees who have a best friend at work are twice as likely to be engaged and report higher well-being. In short: connection matters. A lot.

As a business coach, I’ve seen this play out over and over again. When there’s no room for friendship, employee retention tanks. People may stay for the paycheck, but they rarely bring their best selves to the work—and they almost never stay long. On the other hand, when genuine connection is part of the culture, people want to be there. They want to grow there.

I see it in my own team, too. When we’ve been pushing hard on deadlines or juggling too much at once, I can tell when we haven’t had time to connect. People get short with each other. Slack goes quiet. The spark that makes our work feel joyful starts to dim. That’s when we know it’s time for game night—or a field trip (more on that next week). These moments aren’t fluff. They’re fuel. They give us a foundation of friendship so that when things do get tough, we remember: we’ve got each other.

That’s why we’re so intentional about making space for connection. One of the ways we do that is through Slack.

Yes, we use it for project updates and logistics. But we also use it as a connection tool. Our #random channel is a favorite—full of memes, music, funny client quotes, and dog pictures. Because sharing is a deeply human instinct, and sometimes what a team needs most isn’t a productivity tip—it’s a laugh.

We have a #RPScelebrations channel, too. It’s not just for professional wins (though we love those). It’s a space to cheer on new houses, birthdays, finished marathons, and finally finishing a personal project. It’s a culture of “yay you,” where even small joys are worth lifting up.

Then there’s #doodle-of-the-week—a weekly sketch prompt led by our senior designer. Anyone can join in, and what’s been especially fun is how many folks from the content team participate. It’s a judgment-free zone that reminds us creativity doesn’t belong in a silo. And honestly? Their drawing skills have gotten pretty impressive.

These channels might seem like small things, but they create something big: a sense of belonging. A reason to open up. A moment of connection in the middle of a busy day. That’s where workplace friendship starts.

Because when people feel like they’re part of something—when they feel seen, heard, and celebrated—they stay. They work harder. And they bring more of themselves to the table.

And that’s what builds a culture worth sticking around for.

Up next: Field Trips Are for Grown-Ups Too
Just like in school, stepping out of the routine together strengthens relationships and sparks fresh energy. Whether it’s a morning at the museum, a hike in the woods, or just working from a new spot, we believe in the power of field trips—even for adults. Stay tuned for how we make it happen.