Only 30 percent of Americans have a close friend at work, according to a Gallup poll. One reason is that many corporations discourage employees from making friends on the job. Some even forbid it. 30 percent of 80,000 managers surveyed disapprove of workplace friendships and believe that "familiarity breeds contempt". As a consequence of this attitude, only 18 percent of American workers are employed at organizations that actively encourage the development of friendships between co-workers, or between workers and managers.

Many of those corporate killjoys who shudder at the spectre of friendship claim that fraternization among workers allows gripers to congregate, disrespect for management to crystallize and dissatisfaction to grow. Yet all the evidence is to the contrary. Those who do have friends at work are seven times more likely to enjoy their jobs. They also have fewer accidents, produce more in less time, show more creativity, and are more courteous to both customers and fellow employees. The Gallup poll demonstrated that employees with friends at work are 50 percent more satisfied with their employers, and twice as likely to be contented with their pay.

Read the article at the link below for more information on the benefits of friendship for the little guy.

"People with pals at work more satisfied, productive" from USA Today
Vital Friends: The People You Can't Afford to Live Without by Tom Rath (at Amazon.com)