Why Workplace Friendships Make Remote Employees More Productive—and Less Likely to Quit

Remote work offers flexibility and autonomy, but it also comes with challenges—especially when it comes to building relationships. Research shows that employees who have friends at work are more productive, more engaged, and less likely to leave their jobs.

For remote workers, loneliness and disconnection can lead to lower performance and higher turnover. So, how can companies help foster meaningful relationships among distributed teams?

The Productivity Boost of Workplace Friendships

Having friends at work isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a key driver of productivity. Studies show that:

• Employees with close friends at work are more engaged and effective. A survey by Wildgoose found that 22% of respondents believe having a best friend at work makes them more productive, and 21% say it boosts their creativity.
• Workplace friendships increase motivation. Employees who feel a sense of belonging at work are more likely to stay focused and contribute beyond their core responsibilities. (Source)

Remote workers who lack these connections often feel disengaged, leading to lower morale and weaker collaboration.

The Retention Risks of Isolation

Feeling disconnected from colleagues isn’t just an emotional issue—it’s a business problem. Companies that fail to address remote employee isolation risk higher turnover and lower job satisfaction.

• 40% of remote employees say they feel lonely and lack workplace friendships.
• Employees without strong work friendships are more likely to leave their jobs. Research suggests that 12% of workers are less likely to quit if they have friends at work. (Source)

When employees don’t have a personal connection with their coworkers, they often feel like just another name on a screen, making it easier to disengage or seek new opportunities elsewhere.

How Companies Can Foster Workplace Friendships

To create a strong remote culture, companies need intentional strategies to help employees form connections. One of the most effective solutions is structured networking, where employees are automatically paired into small groups to build relationships over time.

SaveMeASeat: A Simple Way to Build Workplace Friendships

SaveMeASeat.com is designed to help remote employees form meaningful connections. By grouping employees into rotating groups of four, the platform makes networking effortless—helping teams stay engaged, connected, and motivated.

With SaveMeASeat, remote employees can:

✔ Meet new colleagues in a structured way
✔ Build strong, lasting relationships at work
✔ Increase engagement and job satisfaction

The Bottom Line

Workplace friendships aren’t just a perk—they’re essential for employee engagement, productivity, and retention. Companies that invest in relationship-building tools like SaveMeASeat can create a stronger, more connected workforce, reducing loneliness, boosting morale, and improving collaboration.

Want to help your remote employees feel more connected?
Learn more at SaveMeASeat.com

‍