The Power of Friendship
The Research
A study titled "The Role of Social Support in the Experience of Challenge," conducted by Dr. David C. W. Lee et al. in 2017, highlights the significant impact of social support on overcoming challenges. Participants engaged in a strenuous high-intensity exercise, either alone or with a companion. Those who completed the task with a companion reported that it felt less difficult compared to those who tackled it solo.
Key findings included:
Participants who completed the task with a friend reported that it felt approximately 20% easier than for those who completed it alone.
Those working alongside a friend also experienced a 25% increase in enjoyment during the activity.
The presence of friends led to a 30% increase in motivation levels, with higher effort and engagement compared to solo participants.
These results underscore the psychological benefits of social presence, revealing that collaboration and companionship can make daunting tasks seem more manageable and improve overall employee experience.
The Context
The study explored several factors contributing to the reduced perceived difficulty when completing tasks with friends:
Emotional Support: Friends provide emotional encouragement, helping individuals manage anxiety and stress associated with challenging tasks, making the experience feel less daunting.
Increased Motivation: Social presence boosts motivation, as individuals feel more driven to push themselves when they are not alone in their efforts.
Shared Experience: Engaging in challenges together fosters a sense of shared experience, enhancing enjoyment and reducing feelings of isolation.
Distraction from Discomfort: Social interaction can distract from the physical discomfort of strenuous activities, making the task feel less challenging.
Positive Reinforcement: Friends offer feedback and encouragement, reinforcing a sense of accomplishment and confidence, further diminishing the perception of difficulty.
These factors suggest a causal relationship between social support and the perception of difficulty, emphasising the emotional benefits of having supportive companions during challenging activities.
Relevance in the Workplace
Just as social support can make physical challenges feel more manageable, it also helps reduce the mental and emotional strain of workplace transitions, leading to higher engagement and productivity.
Fostering an inclusive workplace requires recognising the importance of social connections and support systems. Social support plays a key role in both individual and organisational success, particularly in moments of change, such as:
Starting a new job
Transitioning into a new role
Moving into leadership positions
Pursuing professional development
Mentoring and supporting colleagues
Experiencing transformational change
While peer and buddy programs offer valuable support, it's equally important to build ongoing connections between employees who are experiencing similar transitions. Learning from and teaching others; even while still developing skills, reinforces knowledge and fosters a culture of continuous growth.
The uncertainty of new experiences can often lead to anxiety, which may impact performance and confidence. Creating structured opportunities for employees to connect, collaborate, and support one another can reduce perceived difficulty, enhance motivation, and strengthen workplace wellbeing.
