Workplace relationships have a major impact on retention and job satisfaction, according to research by OfficeTeam, a provider of administrative personnel. 

In The 2006 UK OfficeTeam Salary Survey, a survey of over 700 executive assistants throughout the UK, 42% of respondents said they would leave a position if they disliked the people they work with. Surprisingly, younger workers (16 – 20 years) were the least likely to leave their job because of personal differences with their colleagues (31%), while those aged between 31 and 35 years were the most likely (48%). 

Victoria Sprott, regional director for OfficeTeam, said: “The relationships you share with your work colleagues are extremely important and have a significant impact on job satisfaction. Managers must recognise the value in fostering workplace relationships and be aware of barriers that prevent this from happening. Providing opportunities for employees to engage on a social level or interact with other staff members that they might not otherwise deal with in their day-to-day role is a great way to improve morale, boost retention and create a stronger sense of community.”

When asked about their company’s ‘after-work’ scene, 9% of executive assistants said it was “active” and they go out at least once a week. However 31% of respondents admitted that social interaction with their work colleagues was “poor” and they rarely go out together.