Survey shows that women value work friendships more than men gets online community's validation

As more young employees seek better work-life balance, many are choosing to work from home, spending more time with family instead of coworkers. This shift means that the supportive conversations during coffee breaks and lunch with work friends are becoming less common. A recent LinkedIn study found that men and women value workplace friendships differently. The "LinkedIn's Workforce Confidence" report reveals that U.S. women are more likely than men to acknowledge the importance of close friends and mentors at work.

The survey was carried out by LinkedIn market researchers, who asked users about their confidence in getting a job, improving their financial condition, career growth, as well as work friends and mentors, as per Scary Mommy. According to the report, 56% of female workers said that they have a work friend, compared to 50% of men, while 42% of women are more open to admitting that they need a close friend at work, compared to 34% of men. In addition to that, Female workers are more focused on having and developing mentorship opportunities, as 36% of women already have a mentor at work, compared to 29% of men. 

When it comes to feeling burnt out and stuck at their jobs, women are again more likely to report it. According to another Workforce Confidence finding, female workers want to pay more attention to growing workplace relationships. And it makes sense because they believe having workplace friendships would help them avoid feeling burnt out. Another reason women look for mentors is that employees who participated in mentoring programs had a salary grade change, according to a Forbes report. As the findings resonated with people on the platform, they shared their own takes in comments. Deepali Vyas wrote, "As a female leader with few close friends, I resonate with these findings. Women often need close friends and mentors at work for support and professional growth. Personally, I’m seeking more women mentors to help elevate my career, just as I strive to support others."

Suzan Bond added, "While we often look for friends and mentors in our functional area, be open to those whose experience is different. They'll provide you with a new perspective, widening your lens about how others think about work and solving problems. This allows you to be more empathetic, and more responsive to organizational challenges and makes you more valuable as you progress in your career. " Sonia Saini shared, "In my view, women have a natural nurturing instinct that shows up in the workplace as compassion, empathy, understanding, and support. I have personally always sort to make meaningful connections at work where I would spend most of my awake time." 

In another survey, it was found that bosses, like many employees, also prefer to work from the comfort of their homes. The survey which was conducted among 3000 managers and workers from America found that 68% of managers said that they would prefer to continue to work from home in 2024. Surprisingly, only 48% of employees said that they would like to work remotely.