A positive work environment is highly beneficial, but so is establishing boundaries between an employer and employee. There are many factors of a healthy professional relationship to consider before deciding whether employers should befriend employees.

What Happens When Employers Befriend Employees?

Having an understanding boss and friendly employees creates a favorable work environment for all parties involved, as well as the company as a whole. However, being close friends with a supervisor or direct report can create some of the following challenges:

• Difficult to address performance issues
• May come across as favoritism
• Personal tiffs can damage team morale
• Work woes can lead to resentment
• Harder to maintain confidential information
• More likely to want or expect to bend company rules

Whether a boss hires friends or the lines start to blur after the onboarding process, a working relationship should remain positive and professional. Employees need a leader more than a friend. Bosses can still provide guidance and support without trying to always be liked.

Establishing a Professional Relationship

You can still enjoy a company outing or happy hour in a social environment but keep your professional wits about you. Instead of crossing the line from employer/employee to friend, focus on the following characteristics and goals:

• Respect. Show genuine care and empathy for each other.
• Clear communication. Set expectations early and effectively work toward goals together.
• Constructive feedback. Offer guidance and support to help each other grow professionally.
• Maintain boundaries. Avoid oversharing personal information to help ensure work/life lines don’t cross.

You don’t have to be besties with your boss to succeed at work. You also shouldn’t force your employees to share personal details. If it works out that you click on a personal and professional level, it’s a slippery yet manageable slope. But it’s also possible to create a productive environment while staying positive and professional.