blog

A mini-series: Recharge, Connect, Energise – Mastering Workplace Wellbeing in 3 Steps

When you think of workplace wellbeing, what comes to mind? Mental health support? Flexible hours? A good coffee machine, maybe? All important, but one of the most powerful drivers of happiness at work is often hiding in plain sight: friendship.

Research shows that having meaningful social connections at work isn’t just a “nice to have”, it’s a core component of wellbeing, performance, and long-term job satisfaction. As Dr. Tracy Brower points out, workplace friendships are not only beneficial, they’re essential. They support our sense of belonging, improve engagement, and even help us be more creative.

At Constructive, we’ve always believed that strong teams are built on genuine relationships. Whether we’re grabbing coffee, enjoying a team lunch, going for a lunchtime walk, or chatting about non-work stuff in the office, we prioritise connection because we know it makes us better, both as people and professionals.

It’s easy to underestimate the power of a good chat with a colleague, but friendship at work serves a deeper purpose than just passing the time. According to Brower, meaningful connections at work satisfy our fundamental need for belonging, a feeling that has a direct impact on our mental health, motivation, and productivity.

When we feel like we’re part of something bigger, when we know someone has our back, it’s easier to bring our full selves to work. We take more creative risks, recover faster from stress, and feel more emotionally secure. And it turns out, people who have strong friendships at work are also:

• More engaged
• Less likely to burn out
• More loyal to their company
• More satisfied with their lives overall

In fact, research shows that employees with a “best friend” at work are seven times more likely to be engaged in their roles. That’s a statistic employers can’t afford to ignore.

At Constructive, we’ve found that small, consistent actions are what create the strongest bonds. Here’s what that looks like for us:

• Team lunches: We sometimes have lunch with our colleagues, whether that is inside the office, sitting around our dining table or outside the office at our favourite Thai place. Shared lunches give us time to connect beyond the daily to-do list. 

• Coffee catch-ups: Morning walks to grab a coffee aren't just about caffeine! They’re about creating space to talk, laugh, and connect. These quick breaks often spark the best conversations.

• Lunchtime walks: Sometimes the best way to clear your head is to step outside with a colleague. Walk-and-talks help us decompress and check in with each other.

• Non-work chats in the office: We make a point of encouraging conversations that aren’t always about deadlines or meetings - as long as they aren’t too distracting of course! From weekend plans to music recs, it’s these relaxed chats that build trust.

These simple practices have helped create a culture where friendships can flourish, and that’s made a tangible difference in how our team feels, works, and shows up for each other.

Friendships also help smooth over moments of tension. We’re more empathetic, more patient, and more willing to resolve conflict when we genuinely care about our colleagues. And when times get tough, those bonds are the buffer we all need.

• Reach out: Invite a colleague for a walk, a coffee, or a chat at lunch.

• Be open: Share something personal and create space for others to do the same.

• Celebrate others: A quick message to recognise a win or say “well done” goes a long way.

• Create space: Encourage non-work chat in meetings or break areas.