While office picnics and after-work cocktails may seem like an ideal way to boost company camaraderie, an AOL News story shows that there also could be disadvantages to becoming best buddies with your co-workers. Procrastination, office gossip and rivalries are among the possible drawbacks to developing friendships at work. "It's really a huge danger," said Michael Jalbert, president of search and recruitment organization MRINetwork. "Many people who are friends also find it hard to give unbiased criticism. Supervisors who become friends with subordinates can create jealousy and a sense of unfairness at the office."
Yet studies also show that there are strong benefits to co-worker relationships. Employee satisfaction increases nearly 50 percent as a result of office friendships, according to research by The Gallup Organization. "The more open, friendly places are the best places to work," said Kaye/Bassman International CEO Jeff Kaye, whose employees, many married or related, once went on a Caribbean cruise together. "Being yourself and having friends at work creates a more fulfilled life and greater productivity."--Kevin Manahan