Women build larger workplace friendship networks than men, study finds

A new study has found that women are more likely than men to build larger workplace friendship networks through existing social connections, creating more interconnected relationships within organisations.

The research, led by Andrew Parker, Professor in Leadership at Durham University Business School, examined how workplace friendships develop among new employees and found notable differences in the way men and women form professional relationships. The findings were published in the journal Social Networks.

Researchers found that women were more likely to develop friendships through "friend of a friend" connections, while men tended to establish more selective one-to-one relationships.

Tracking workplace relationships over time

The study followed almost 150 employees during their first 10 months in an organisation, providing researchers with a longitudinal view of how workplace friendships evolved.

Key elements of the research included:

• Tracking employees over a ten-month period
• Conducting surveys on four separate occasions
• Examining friendship formation patterns among new hires
• Analysing differences in relationship-building behaviour between men and women

The study was conducted by Parker alongside colleagues from William & Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business in the United States and Università della Svizzera Italiana in Switzerland.

Women favour network-building friendships

According to the findings, female employees were more likely to form friendships through mutual contacts, leading to broader and more interconnected social circles within organisations.

Researchers found these friendship networks frequently included other women and were often built around social connection rather than strategic objectives.

The study suggests women place greater emphasis on friendship itself when developing workplace relationships. As a result, their networks tend to become larger and more closely connected over time.

Researchers noted that these broader networks may contribute positively to organisational cohesion and stability by strengthening social ties across teams.

Men form more selective professional relationships

The study found men were generally more selective in choosing workplace friendships and were less likely to rely on mutual contacts when developing new relationships.

Researchers observed that male employees were more likely to form individual friendships with other men. These relationships were particularly common when they were perceived to support personal or professional objectives.

According to the research team, this pattern suggests workplace friendships can serve different functions for different groups. While women's networks often strengthen collective social connections, men's friendships may be more closely linked to individual advancement.

Findings raise questions about workplace equality

The researchers said the differing friendship patterns could have implications beyond social interactions, potentially influencing access to opportunities and career progression.

According to the study:

• Women's friendship networks may offer strong social support but fewer connections to influential organisational contacts
• Men's more targeted relationships may provide greater access to career-enhancing opportunities
• Friendship structures could influence access to resources, visibility and professional advantages
• Workplace relationship patterns may have implications for broader discussions around equality and career outcomes

The researchers suggested these dynamics could play a role in organisational inequalities, including factors linked to career advancement and compensation.

Why workplace friendships matter

The study also reinforces earlier research highlighting the value of workplace friendships for employee wellbeing and business performance.

Researchers noted that previous studies have associated strong workplace relationships with:

• Higher employee engagement
• Greater productivity
• Improved collaboration
• Increased innovation

The authors said organisations should consider creating more opportunities for employees to build connections across teams and functions, enabling relationships that provide both personal support and professional development benefits.

As workplaces continue to focus on employee experience, inclusion and collaboration, the study suggests that understanding how friendship networks form may be an important part of building stronger and more equitable organisations.