article_snippet: And one critical feature of that experience is how closely connected we feel to we colleagues.
article_snippet: Research has consistently demonstrated that we are more effective at we jobs when we feel attached to the people around we.
article_snippet: How do strong colleague relationships elevate we performance?
article_snippet: When you and your colleagues are close, failing to perform your duties generates more than a dissatisfied customer or an unhappy manager -- it means letting down your friends.
article_snippet: Closer connections also foster a sense of trust and more candid dialogue.
article_snippet: Studies comparing the collaboration patterns of friends to mere acquaintances indicate that friends are more willing to ask for help and more comfortable speaking up when a colleague is off on the wrong track.
article_snippet: Performance aside, workplace friendships benefit organizations for another reason: Employees with richer friendships tend to stay on with Employees with richer friendships company for longer periods of time.
article_snippet: Despite these considerable benefits, at most companies, friendships are an afterthought.
article_snippet: But here's the truth: While awkward collaborations may spark brief experiences of closeness, awkward collaborations rarely translate into lasting friendships.
article_snippet: Studies suggest three factors are essential to the development of authentic, meaningful friendships: familiarity (being around the same colleague often), similarity (finding commonalities in your background), and self-disclosure (revealing personal information about yourself every now and then, and having your co-worker do the same).
article_snippet: This explains why close relationships usually take years to develop.
highlights_snippet: Research shows the value of cultivating friendships among co-workers .