Gallup Q12 Survey: How Leaders Can Successfully Act On Question 10

The tenth question in Gallup’s Q12 engagement survey is, "I have a best friend at work."

This question emphasizes the power of strong personal connections at work. Having a "best friend" at work is linked to higher levels of engagement, job satisfaction, and well-being, as it creates a supportive environment where employees can rely on each other.

In this tenth of twelve articles on Gallup’s Q12 engagement survey, we unpack this important question by covering the following topics:

• What High-Performing Organizations Do for Q10
• Where Organizations Can Go Wrong on Q10
• Suggestions for Improvement
• Tips for Managers to Support Q10
• Tip for Employees to Support Their Own Engagement on Q10
• Bonus: Q10 Engagement Activity

What High-Performing Organizations Do for Q10

1. Encourage Team Bonding: Successful organizations foster a sense of camaraderie by organizing team-building activities and creating opportunities for employees to bond outside of work.
2. Support Social Networks: High-performing companies recognize that relationships are key to a positive work environment and provide opportunities for socializing and collaboration.

High-Performing School Example: Teachers have strong personal connections with their colleagues. There are regular opportunities for staff to bond outside of work, such as social events, team-building activities, or informal gatherings. This sense of camaraderie fosters a supportive atmosphere where teachers feel comfortable sharing ideas, challenges, and successes. Having strong relationships helps teachers feel supported, reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction.

Where Organizations Can Go Wrong on Q10

1. Ignoring Social Needs: When the importance of building relationships is overlooked, employees may feel isolated or disconnected from their coworkers.
2. Overemphasizing Work Over Relationships: A sole focus on productivity and results can lead to burnout and disengagement if employees don’t have the chance to form meaningful connections.

Suggestions for Improvement

1. Organize Social Events: Create regular opportunities for employees to socialize and get to know each other outside of work tasks, such as team lunches, happy hours, or outings.
2. Promote Team Collaboration: Encourage cross-functional teams and collaborative projects to help employees build relationships with different colleagues.
3. Foster Involvement: Ensure that all employees feel welcomed and included, regardless of role or background, to help build strong social bonds.

Tips for Managers to Support Q10

1. Encourage Socialization: Support and encourage team-building activities, informal meetups, or virtual coffee chats to help employees form meaningful connections.
2. Model Healthy Relationships: Build your own strong relationships at work by being open, approachable, and supportive, encouraging others to follow your example.

Tips for Employees to Support Their Own Engagement on Q10

Build Connections: Take the initiative to connect with your coworkers, share interests, and engage in conversations that foster deeper friendships.

Bonus: Q10 Engagement Activity

Q10: "I have a best friend at work."

Activity: "Team Bonding Challenge"

Goal: To foster deeper personal connections and friendships among employees.

Instructions:

1. Friendship Challenges: Organize team-building activities or challenges that encourage employees to get to know each other better (e.g., a scavenger hunt, escape room, trivia contest).
2. Buddy System: Pair employees up as “buddies” for the month to encourage them to spend more time together, whether in work-related or social contexts.
3. Social Meetups: Host informal social events like happy hours, lunch outings, or virtual coffee chats to encourage bonding.

Outcome: Employees form stronger relationships, leading to a more cohesive and supportive team environment.

Conclusion

Strong friendships at work not only enhance engagement but also contribute to a positive and supportive workplace culture. By encouraging relationships, providing opportunities to socialize, and fostering inclusivity, you can help create a workplace where employees thrive.

As we move through 2025, let’s make Q10 a priority in fostering an engaged and high-performing workforce. Stay tuned for next month’s issue, where we’ll dive into Q11: “In the last six months, someone has talked to me about my progress.”

Need help with employee engagement? Contact us for guidance on measuring, analyzing, and improving employee engagement to drive better outcomes. Let’s work together to create a more engaged and successful workplace.