Creating Closer Bonds Than Just Colleagues

We live in a world full of challenges and change. Between disinformation and miscommunications, lack of trust, discrimination, and cultural discord, prioritizing peace and friendship may seem to have less of a place in today’s globalized society than it once did. But it doesn’t have to.

Friendship, patience and connection are synonymous with bonding. And building common bonds between people goes far beyond sharing a favorite pastime or sports team. Despite all our differences, we can find common ground if we are open to looking for it. On International Day of Friendship, this year on July 30th, our team from around the globe did just that.

Manhattan team members also shared some personal insights into the meaning of friendship and how it benefits them in the workplace.

“Friendship means a closer bond than just a colleague at work, it means someone I can share personal highs and lows with and someone who will celebrate with or console me when I’m sad – it’s about a genuine mutual affection,” commented Michelle Batt, senior director of Human Resources, EMEA.

“Real friends are so beneficial in a working environment. We spend a lot of our time at work and we are social animals. A 2018 Gallup poll found that those who have best friends at work are twice as likely to be engaged in their jobs, are better at engaging customers, produce higher-quality work and have a greater sense of well-being. This is why it’s so important we have friends at work,” Michelle finished.

“Friendship represents one of the main pillars of strength that get me through the day and makes me look forward to the next day. Having friends in the workplace means we can talk about things other than work. It helps to de-stress in the working environment, and means we can rely on each other for more than just work related things,” said Amanda Pang, office manager in Singapore.

“I am most grateful to have Taotao as a friend at work. We joined around the same time and we have learnt and grown together throughout our time at Manhattan,” added Amanda.

Eloisa Dela Vega, principal consultant in Singapore continued: “Friendship is about trust and having someone that you can talk to and share things about personal and professional life – free from the worry of being judged. For me, I am most grateful for my colleague and friend, Aiza, because we always support each other in every way.”

“To me, friendship is as important as family. Successful, meaningful friendships are about both of you giving 100 percent of your unconditional love, respect and support. I’ve met some of my very best friends at work and have remained close with all of them. It’s valuable because, in addition to a creating great team, having friends at work means you have a sounding board, coach and mentor, who you know cares about you on another, deeper level,” added Ann Claeson, senior training specialist for global learning and development, in the USA.

Shagun Manchanda, senior technical analyst, in Sydney, Australia finished: “Friends are the comfort zone you need when things get tough at work. Being able to laugh with people you really connect with on a personal level is so important, given the amount of time we actually spend working in our daily lives. Luckily, I have so many great friends in our Sydney office, and around the global Manhattan community, to single out any one person – you all know who you are 😊!”

Celebrating friendships through things as simple as a kind note left on a laptop, over a cup of coffee after a long day in the office, going to a concert, or sharing stories about children, are all ways to find the things we share in common.

These days, it is often too easy to focus on all the negativity in the world. However, we can choose kindness, camaraderie and empathy. And that is an encouraging thought. July 30 is an ideal time to step back and be thankful for these positive relationships as they encourage peace, happiness and unity in the workplace, on the global stage, and in our personal lives.

Here’s to friends – past, present and those we’ll make in the future.