Companies work hard to find and retain workers who are eager to come to work and perform to their fullest potential, known as ?engaged workers.? Studies have found that those who have a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be engaged. It has also been found that workers who do a lot of favors for each other are more productive than those who focus strictly on their own jobs. While companies can't force workers to be best friends, they can sponsor programs and activities that give employees an opportunity to connect with each other.
See "Best friends good for business", Del Jones, USA Today, November 30, 2004