Perceptions of workplace friendships and how they have changed since the Covid-19 pandemic

Self-determination theory explains how well-being is achieved by engaging in particular behaviours. A friend in the workplace brings feelings of relatedness, autonomy and competence. Contemporary research suggests that enforced social distancing, homeworking, or hybrid working practices brought about by Covid-19, changed friendship dynamics in the workplace. A qualitative method using semi-structured interviews was conducted to explore the research question ‘Perceptions of workplace friendship and how they have changed since the Covid-19 pandemic’. Four female participants were interviewed with transcripts analysed using Thematic Analysis. Implications from the study serve to strengthen many original theories, confirming that robust research has been conducted into the area of workplace friendship. This research project went further to investigate how perceptions of workplace friendship have changed since Covid-19. Results suggest a higher level of emotional support was reciprocated between workplace friends during the pressure of working through Covid-19. Physical proximity was reported as essential in sustaining friendship links. Some friendships were difficult to continue due to social distancing or enforced separation through homeworking, the ensuing tension left many feeling uncomfortable.