A Friendly Workplace Makes for Healthy Employees

Employees that are liked and in turn like their colleagues are happier and healthier, according to a new study. The survey of over 5,000 staff on behalf of SkillsSoft found that half said working with people they like is important whilst 41% said having this reciprocated scores almost as highly. Mutual adoration between colleagues is not the only relationship that scores well – 'getting on well with the boss' featured as critical for 34.8%.

Taking time out also ranked highly, 49% referred to flexible working hours as important, with 46% placing sufficient annual leave as a key contributor to well-being.
The value of good relationships with work colleagues was also evident when employees were asked who they would talk to first within their organisation if they were unhappy at work.

Over a third (36.3%) would consult a colleague whilst a further 29.2% would prefer to confide in their direct manager or supervisor. However, only 2.4% would speak to their HR department. Worryingly 17.3% claimed they would stay silent and keep their anxieties to themselves.