[US] Workplace friendships valued above wages

New research has revealed that US employees are placing increasing value on workplace friendships, with many stating they would forgo a substantial portion of their earnings for stronger connections at work, HR Grapevine reports.

The report, from KPMG, which surveyed 1,019 full-time professionals, found that more than half would sacrifice 20 per cent of their salary to work alongside close friends. And 57 per cent stated that they would take a role paying 10 per cent below market rate if it meant having meaningful friendships, rather than accept 10 per cent above market without them.

Loneliness is reportedly rising dramatically, with nearly half of respondents saying they feel isolated at least some of the time, almost double the levels reported in 2024. Men were more likely than women to state that they experienced isolation. Remote workers and those in telecommunications, media and technology reported the highest rates.

“Working with friends or having a higher salary, of course, the answer is ‘both’,” Sandy Torchia - KPMG US Vice Chair of Talent and Culture - said. “This finding shows that as talent leaders navigate disruption from AI and economic uncertainty and create competitive compensation and benefits packages, we cannot miss the importance of fostering workplace friendships, which are critical for a healthy, engaged and productive workforce.”

The survey’s findings showed that close work friendships are now viewed as a form of workplace currency. Four in five professionals said work relationships are extremely or very important, and the share rose to 90 per cent among Gen Z employees.

Respondents reported an average of 4.5 close friends at work, climbing from 2.3 in 2024. In-office staff reported the highest numbers, but even remote employees said friendships mattered to their mental health, with 93 per cent rating them as important. Across all workers, 84 per cent said these relationships were vital for wellbeing.

Benefits cited by surveyed employees include higher productivity and motivation, improved collaboration and problem-solving, and increased resilience against burnout. More than one in four employees highlighted friendships as their biggest performance driver, beyond job requirements.

Source: HR Grapevine

(Quote via original reporting)

New research has revealed that US employees are placing increasing value on workplace friendships, with many stating they would forgo a substantial portion of their earnings for stronger connections at work, HR Grapevine reports.

The report, from KPMG, which surveyed 1,019 full-time professionals, found that more than half would sacrifice 20 per cent of their salary to work alongside close friends. And 57 per cent stated that they would take a role paying 10 per cent below market rate if it meant having meaningful friendships, rather than accept 10 per cent above market without them.

Loneliness is reportedly rising dramatically, with nearly half of respondents saying they feel isolated at least some of the time, almost double the levels reported in 2024. Men were more likely than women to state that they experienced isolation. Remote workers and those in telecommunications, media and technology reported the highest rates.

“Working with friends or having a higher salary, of course, the answer is ‘both’,” Sandy Torchia - KPMG US Vice Chair of Talent and Culture - said. “This finding shows that as talent leaders navigate disruption from AI and economic uncertainty and create competitive compensation and benefits packages, we cannot miss the importance of fostering workplace friendships, which are critical for a healthy, engaged and productive workforce.”

The survey’s findings showed that close work friendships are now viewed as a form of workplace currency. Four in five professionals said work relationships are extremely or very important, and the share rose to 90 per cent among Gen Z employees.

Respondents reported an average of 4.5 close friends at work, climbing from 2.3 in 2024. In-office staff reported the highest numbers, but even remote employees said friendships mattered to their mental health, with 93 per cent rating them as important. Across all workers, 84 per cent said these relationships were vital for wellbeing.

Benefits cited by surveyed employees include higher productivity and motivation, improved collaboration and problem-solving, and increased resilience against burnout. More than one in four employees highlighted friendships as their biggest performance driver, beyond job requirements.

Source: HR Grapevine

(Quote via original reporting)