subject: Peer-to-Peer Camaraderie at Work [print this page] Since we human beings are social animals, a little moral support goes a long way. And we're energized when we have someone to share with and to validate our experiences. According to a recent blog entitled "For Entrepreneurs, Camaraderie at the Office-Creating a Friendly Work Environment" posted by Gaebler Ventures (a holding company and venture capital fund based in Chicago, IL), "Friendship at work Is essentialWe all value friendship on the job, and for good reason." The blog talks about the "emotional toll" that a "dysfunctional, hellish" work environment takes on people vs. the "pleasure" of working in harmony among friends- and the difference that makes on work quality and productivity. It also mentions a few benefits and suggestions for encouraging this positive interaction (same source):
Better Individual performance- people do better when they like going to work.
Better Group Performance- we do best when we have cooperation.
Organize a Company Outing- to get away from the office and bond socially.
Bring in Donuts- people appreciate the gesture, and a chance for small talk.
Make a Conscious Effort to Befriend Others-simply make new friends.
And although friendship at work is obviously important, getting the rewards that we deserve is absolutely essential. In another recent blog, about company reward programs, Mark Winter ("Info Guru," Catalogs.com) states that a"well- thought-out (noncash) recognition company reward program can be either peer or management driven, or both and can help motivate employees to continually improveand to work together in teams." For some reason, however, as much as we value recognition from upper management, it feels even better when we receive it from our comrades at work. Some companies have http://www.incentivesolutions.com/">reward programs in place where employees in fact get to nominate each other, which seems would be a great motivator and would help to build community as well. Also, offering a variety of useful items, including gift certificates for example, is always appropriate. In conclusion, friendship at the workplace can be rewarding in more ways than one!
