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Employees who socialise at work feel less lonely and are more engaged, loyal and productive, according to new research from Compass Group.
‘The Power of Socialisation’ survey, which explores the attitudes of today’s employees and the workforce of the future, sets out the ideal environment for socialising in the workplace to create a sense of belonging and teams that feel supported and productive.
The study, carried out for the global food services provider by global market intelligence agency Mintel, polled over 30,000 workers and students in 21 countries. It found that encouraging sociable moments helps employees look forward to going to work and signals a company’s commitment to inclusivity, wellbeing and career progression:
- 27 per cent of employees say they feel lonely or isolated at work
- 83 per cent who say their workplace is an enjoyable space to be in are happy at work. But happiness falls to just 22 per cent if the environment is not right
- 45 per cent of hybrid workers say they would come into their place of work more often if there were more opportunities to socialise with colleagues
The report’s findings also signal the end of the alcohol-centric after-work office party and a move to inclusive, experience-led events during working hours where all cultures and tastes are catered for.
Other key highlights in the report include:
Friendships at work strengthen employee wellbeing
Loneliness leads to employees taking twice as many sick days and can have as much of a mortality risk as smoking, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity. Seventy per cent of employees look forward to going to work if they have a friend there, this drops to just 25 per cent for those without a friend at work.
Sociable moments ignite productivity and attract future leaders
Some 38 per cent of employees feel less loyal towards their employer than before the pandemic – rising to 51 per cent among Gen Z and 45 per cent of Millennials. In the era of ‘quiet quitting’, being sociable in the workplace promotes an environment where views are shared and engagement, collaboration and creativity grows. Lonely workers in less social workplaces will often move on: almost half (46 per cent) say they are likely to leave their job because of loneliness, increasing to 54 per cent among Gen Z.
The workers of the future expect inclusive food, drink and experiences
The perfect sociable work environment is elevated by the right food and drink: today’s catering offer needs to delight with experiences such as pop-up street food concepts, cuisine masterclasses or a chef’s table. Gone, too, are the days of the traditional after-work office party centred around alcohol – the responses of the students surveyed showed that immersive and inclusive events are key to attracting future employees.
Employees want opportunities for both organic and planned social connection
Employees don’t want forced fun: they want organic moments that connect people to each other, and organised events that connect workers to their company. Short casual breaks fuel connections, while organised moments help employees connect to senior leaders and see more opportunities for career advancement.
The growing ‘hotelisation’ of the workplace
Employees spend a third of their lives working hard, so social spaces must work just as hard to provide escapism and wellbeing. The report finds uninspiring social areas create disconnected employees. By contrast, well-designed, multi-purpose spaces with fun, relaxation and revitalisation in mind boost productivity and encourage employees into the office. For some this may include spaces with design touches more in common with a sophisticated hotel, for others this could simply be somewhere calm to decompress, recharge and reset.
Kirsty Adams, People Director Talent, Learning, Leadership & Inclusion, Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “Now more than ever, creating environments that nurture and support positive social environments is crucial – helping overall health, wellbeing and happiness, which in turn enhances peoples’ loyalty and productivity. ‘The Power of Socialisation’ report highlights that enabling powerful moments of social connection at work is a necessity – something that is key within Compass for our colleagues, but also increasingly for our clients and customers across arrange of sectors.”
