A recent poll conducted by people2people recruitment reveals that 70% of Australians avoid being friends with their boss. Only 20% reported having a friendly relationship, and 10% are open to it.
“Friendships in the workplace are undeniably important for fostering trust and team cohesion, but when it comes to befriending your manager, the stakes are higher.Professional boundaries matter—not just to preserve fairness, but also to ensure a supportive and equitable workplace environment for everyone,” Leanne Lazarus, recruitment manager at people2people recruitment, said.
Friendship with bosses
The report highlighted that baby boomers are likelier to report being friends with their boss (26%) than Millennials and Gen Zs.
Respondents said being friends with their bosses increases happiness and motivation (31%). However, 47% preferred clear boundaries, while 22% believed it makes no difference.
Some 40% of respondents believed being friends with the boss could lead to bias, particularly in decision-making processes such as promotions or project assignments. 52% said it depends on the boss, and 8% thought it doesn’t matter.
Navigating workplace friendships
To foster healthy workplace relationships, Lazarus recommends setting boundaries and defining appropriate venues for personal interactions and social engagements; establishing fair criteria for work-related decisions, such as promotions, project assignments, or feedback; and assessing team dynamics through various feedback mechanisms, such as one-on-one check-ins or anonymous surveys.
She also suggests establishing clear expectations regarding professional boundaries and providing support through mentorship programs or peer-support groups.
“Workplace relationships are nuanced and deeply personal, but they can significantly impact individual and team performance. Whether you’re an employee or a manager, maintaining professionalism while fostering trust is the key to long-term success,” Lazarus concluded.
