Why work friends are crucial for your health

I’ve met some of my closest friends at work, and I’ve always treasured those relationships. Having good pals with whom I can laugh over lunch and trade memes on Slack really makes a difference in my happiness on the job.

And it’s not just me: There’s a large body of research to suggest that social support in the workplace is linked to a slew of benefits, from better job performance to improved mental and physical health. Even better, you don’t need to make an office BFF to reap these benefits, experts told me. Virtually any amount of social support—from a compliment on a job well done to a chat in the office kitchen—can bolster your well-being and ward off the effects of stress.

If your workplace relationships are lacking, experts recommended starting small. Check in with a coworker after a tough meeting or follow up to ask about something they told you last week. Even little gestures like these can do wonders for both of you.

READ MORE