SINGAPORE – For working professionals, interacting with your colleagues is an important part of the work experience, whether you see them in the office every day or have a hybrid work arrangement.

Can—or should—these professional connections develop into real friendships that go beyond work conversations? While camaraderie can improve teamwork and job satisfaction, blurring the lines between work and personal life can also have disadvantages.

The following should be noted:

Are your colleagues your friends?

It’s difficult to survive at work without friendships, as most workers want to socialize and build closer relationships with their colleagues. However, a study by workplace wellness firm TELUS Health found that more than half of workers in Singapore lack trusting relationships at work, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

In addition, the TELUS Mental Health Index found that one in ten workers in Singapore feel disrespected and disappointed by their colleagues and are 60 percent more likely to say that their mental health affects their productivity at work.

The index also showed that 41 percent of workers in Singapore were unsure whether harassment, bullying, unhealthy conflict and other harmful behaviors in their workplace could be resolved quickly and fairly. This is another reason why some are more cautious about building genuine friendships with their colleagues.

In an interview with Yahoo Finance SingaporePaula Allen, Global Leader of Research & Client Insights at TELUS Health, said there are two main risks to consider before forming friendships with colleagues.

“First, there is a risk of blurring the lines between friendship and professional obligations. It is important to maintain a balance between personal connections and professional obligations to avoid conflict or misunderstandings.

“Secondly, premature trust can lead to unrealistic expectations and discomfort on both sides. Building trust takes time and should not be rushed, as forcing a friendship dynamic can strain relationships and affect trust levels. Ultimately, the risks lie in misinterpreting boundaries and expectations, potentially jeopardizing both friendship and work dynamics,” Allen said.

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Pros and cons of being friends with your colleague

Forming friendships with coworkers based on mutual trust, respect and support can bring many benefits to work life. According to Allen, maintaining relationships with coworkers can improve communication, job satisfaction and overall well-being.

“These friendships create a support system that can reduce stress and provide emotional support during difficult times. Working with friends is also enriching because it encourages creativity and makes work more enjoyable,” she said. “In addition, the morale boosted by these relationships leads to higher engagement and productivity, ultimately creating a more positive and cohesive work environment.”

Conversely, as the TELUS Mental Health Index shows, the lack of trusting relationships in the workplace can have detrimental consequences for an employee. In Allen’s opinion, a lack of trust leads to increased stress, which can affect focus, concentration and overall mental wellbeing.

“Employees can feel isolated and disconnected in such environments, leading to a decline in morale and job satisfaction. In addition, a prolonged lack of trust can have detrimental effects on physical health and contribute to problems such as anxiety and burnout,” Allen said.

In contrast, in environments where trust prevails, employees are less stressed, have more energy and are more satisfied with their work, Allen said.

“Trust fosters a sense of psychological safety and enables employees to collaborate effectively, innovate and perform at their best. This positive work environment leads to increased productivity, fewer burnouts, reduced absenteeism and an overall improvement in employee life satisfaction,” Allen said.

How to set personal boundaries with your colleagues

Ultimately, maintaining genuine friendships in the workplace is a delicate balancing act. While employers can play a role in maintaining a good balance, Allen says it’s ultimately the individual’s responsibility to prioritize their self-care.

“Employees can start by recognizing signs of boundary violations, such as when they feel overwhelmed or sacrificing their personal time for work,” advises Allen.

Additionally, Allen said that while having difficult conversations about boundaries can be challenging, support from Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) can provide valuable guidance and coaching.

“By proactively addressing boundary issues and seeking help when needed, employees can create a work environment that promotes well-being and sustainable productivity,” Allen said.

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