But that doesn’t mean remote offices are immune to the benefits and challenges of office friendships. Many now-remote organizations were in-office workplaces pre-COVID, and employees who were around before the pandemic likely developed and are maintaining friendships formed in office. And while employees don’t have as much quality time together in a remote setting, telecommuting technology and periodic in-person get togethers mean that plenty of friendships can and do form remotely as well.
Office friendships are a natural result of employees spending so much time together, and that’s true even in a remote workplace, albeit to a lesser extent than in in-person settings. While there are plenty of benefits to employee friendships, recent data also reveals some potential challenges for managers and HR pros to be aware of.
