US - Having a buddy in the workplace can make your work day a lot more fun, enjoyable and can even increase teamwork, employees say. Eileen Habelow, senior vice-president of organisational development for Randstad, says that given the amount of time people spend at their jobs, it is hard for an employee to go about their jobs without befriending co-workers.

77% of women say that workplace friendships help create a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Only 63% of men agreed.

44% of the 1,017 workers surveyed say the biggest risk in having a friendship at work is the gossip that may arise, while 37% are worried that it may create favouritism.

46% say it is appropriate to "friend" a colleague on Facebook, while only 24% would add a colleague on LinkedIn.

38% say their colleagues are personal friends whom they want to interact with outside of work. However, 17% view workplace friendships as a matter of alliances and only for work purposes.

Source: Work Watch by Randstad