The effect of workplace friendship on loneliness and psychological well-being in work life

Friendship in the workplace can positively impact employee productivity, motivation, and the overall work environment. Establishing healthy relationships among co-workers and creating a supportive work environment is important in many ways. Workplace camaraderie can significantly affect the psychological state of employees. Healthy workplace relationships play a critical role in meeting employees' emotional needs, increasing their motivation, and supporting their overall psychological well-being. Good workplace relationships can positively influence an individual's overall psychological health, job satisfaction, and job performance. This study aimed to examine the effects of workplace friendship on loneliness and psychological well-being in employees' work lives. The relational screening model, one of the quantitative research models, was used in the research. The sample of the research consists of 420 people working in Isparta Organized Industrial Zone in 2023. Demographic information form, Workplace Friendship Scale, Loneliness in Business Life Scale, and Psychological Well-Being Scale were used as data collection tools in the study. Quantitative data analysis methods were used to analyze the research data. In this context, the research data was analyzed with the SPSS statistical package program. In the analysis, the normality distributions of the data were examined, and it was determined that they showed a normal distribution. Parametric statistical techniques were used in the analysis in accordance with the distribution of these data. In comparing the research data, relationships were established with the research variables, and descriptive statistics, percentage distributions, independent sample t-tests, ANOVA tests, and correlation analyses were used. It has been determined that social friendship, a sub-dimension of loneliness and workplace friendship, are highly related among employees. Accordingly, it was determined that employees with high social friendship also had high workplace friendship. It was determined that women's psychological well-being and workplace friendship levels were higher than men's. Moreover, it has been ascertained that women's level of emotional deprivation, a sub-dimension of loneliness, and social friendship in the workplace are higher than men's.