When a business has a sociable culture, employees say they are happier, better understand their company’s vision and stay longer with their employer, according to a new report.

Compass Group’s ‘The Power of Socialisation’ survey, which explores the attitudes of today’s employees and the workforce of the future, sets out the ideal environment for socialising in the workplace to create a sense of belonging and teams that feel supported and productive.

The study, carried out for one of the world’s leading providers of food services by global market intelligence agency Mintel, polled over 30,000 workers and students in 21 countries. It found that encouraging sociable moments helps employees look forward to going to work and signals a company’s commitment to inclusivity, wellbeing and career progression:

• 27% of employees say they feel lonely or isolated at work
• 83% who say their workplace is an enjoyable space to be in are happy at work. But happiness falls to just 22% if the environment is not right
• 45% of hybrid workers say they would come into their place of work more often if there were more opportunities to socialise with colleagues 

The report’s findings also signal the end of the alcohol-centric after-work office party and a move to inclusive, experience-led events during working hours where all cultures and tastes are catered for.  

Other key highlights include:

Friendships at work strengthen employee wellbeing

Loneliness leads to employees taking twice as many sick days and can have as much of a mortality risk as smoking, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity*. ‘The Power of Socialisation’ report found:

• Friends at work are just as important as friends outside work, according to 60% of employees
• 70% of employees look forward to going to work if they have a friend there, this drops to just 25% for those without a friend at work
• 70% of workers who socialise in the workplace feel they belong at work, falling to 37% among those who don’t socialise 

Sociable moments ignite productivity and attract future leaders

Some 38% of employees feel less loyal towards their employer than before the pandemic - rising to 51% among Gen Z and 45% of Millennials**. In the era of ‘quiet quitting’, being sociable in the workplace promotes an environment where views are shared and engagement, collaboration and creativity grows:

• In sociable workplaces, 85% of employees say people work well together, 84% feel able to express opinions, and 55% say they get things done on time to the standard expected. This drops to 37%, 40% and 26% respectively in less sociable workplaces
• Lonely workers in less social workplaces will often move on: almost half (46%) say they are likely to leave their job because of loneliness, increasing to 54% among Gen Z
• 51% of employees who describe their company as very sociable promote their organisation to others vs 11% who are in less sociable workplaces 

The workers of the future expect inclusive food, drink and experiences

The perfect sociable work environment is elevated by the right food and drink: today’s catering offer needs to delight with experiences such as pop-up street food concepts, cuisine masterclasses or a chef’s table. Gone, too, are the days of the traditional after-work office party centred around alcohol - the responses of the students surveyed showed that immersive and inclusive events are key to attracting future employees:

• Events outside of work hours only attract half the workforce (49%), with employees citing family, sports and caring commitments as well as travel time as barriers to participating
• Just 25% of employees say alcohol is something they want at workplace social events, with 49% of students saying having non-alcoholic beverages is a way of being inclusive and 39% saying they would like ways to socialise with colleagues that don’t involve alcohol
• Students polled expect games-based events (59%), music events (43%) and themed events (37%) to be provided by their future employers

Employees want opportunities for both organic and planned social connection

Employees don’t want forced fun: they want organic moments that connect people to each other, and organised events that connect workers to their company. Short casual breaks fuel connections, while organised moments help employees connect to senior leaders and see more opportunities for career advancement:

• 76% of those who join organised social moments at work say they understand the strategy and goals of their organisation versus 56% among those who don’t socialise. 61% feel connected to their senior leadership (versus 28%) and 55% see career advancement opportunities (versus 23%)
• 94% of employees who socialise in-person over lunch or during breaks multiple times a week describe their team as productive

The growing ‘hotelisation’ of the workplace

Employees spend a third of their lives working hard, so social spaces must work just as hard to provide escapism and wellbeing. The report finds uninspiring social areas create disconnected employees. By contrast, well-designed, multi-purpose spaces with fun, relaxation and revitalisation in mind boost productivity and encourage employees into the office. For some this may include spaces with design touches more in common with a sophisticated hotel, for others this could simply be somewhere calm to decompress, recharge and reset.  

• 60% feel that it is important there are social and recreational facilities at work, with 21% considering it very important

Kirsty Adams, People Director Talent, Learning, Leadership & Inclusion, Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “Now more than ever, creating environments that nurture and support positive social environments is crucial – helping overall health, wellbeing and happiness, which in turn enhances peoples’ loyalty and productivity. ‘The Power of Socialisation’ report highlights that enabling powerful moments of social connection at work is a necessity - something that is key within Compass for our colleagues, but also increasingly for our clients and customers across arrange of sectors.”

Nicky Martin, Director of Nutrition and Wellbeing, Foodbuy UK commented: “We know that food and nutrition have a role to play in positive moods and wellness. It goes without saying that the environment you are in is integral to happiness and therefore output. This report brings it all together, highlighting that when you mix great food, alongside sociable spaces and time, it really does enhance the working and wider experiences of an individual.”