Exploring the workplace friendship and it’s impacts on different job aspects

Abstract

The quantitative and qualitative approach which is the mixed-methods approach it helped us investigating the role of workplace friendship and how does it influence the job-related variables such as job insecurity, work deviance behaviour , and employee turnover. Study 1 comprised of quantitative analysis with 100 participants with age criteria of 30–45 from different professional settings . Standardized tools were used, including the Workplace Friendship Scale by Neilsen et al , Job Insecurity Scale by Benett & Robinson, Workplace Deviance Scale by Ashford et al , and Job Turnover Intention Scale by Roodt & Bothma. Data were collected via Google Forms and analysed using IBM SPSS. With the help of correlation and regression analysis, the study revealed that workplace friendship significantly mitigates deviant behaviour and turnover intentions in employees , while job insecurity was positively associated with deviance but showed no significant relationship with turnover. Study 2, a qualitative analysis based on 20 in-depth interviews, explored employees’ lived experiences and perceptions regarding workplace friendship. Thematic analysis revealed five core themes: defining workplace friendship, its personal and professional benefits, strategies to balance professionalism and camaraderie, facilitating factors, and challenges in maintaining such relationships. The findings underscore the importance of supportive interpersonal relationships in enhancing job satisfaction, emotional well-being, and organizational commitment. This research highlights the protective role of workplace friendships and how it is an important component in buffering against negative organizational outcomes and calls for organizations to foster a culture that values social support and genuine connections among employees. Keywords- Workplace friendship , Job turnover , Job insecurity , Work deviance behaviour , Social support