Data from mojo shows that the Friend motivator — the deep human need to belong, collaborate, and feel genuinely cared for at work — is one of the most underestimated drivers of employee performance.
With remote and hybrid work now the norm for many office workers, people who are motivated by connection are quietly struggling. And with global uncertainty continuing to unsettle teams, that sense of isolation is only deepening.
Here's how to support what mojo calls 'Friends':
- Prioritise relationship-building time. Don't let 1:1s become purely task-focused. Ask how they're doing — and mean it. Friends thrive when they feel seen as a person, not just a resource.
- Foster team cohesion. Create regular opportunities for the team to connect — whether that's a virtual coffee, a team lunch, or a shared project kick-off. Friends are energised by togetherness.
- Celebrate wins together. Don't just acknowledge results in private. Friends love shared recognition — a shout-out in a team meeting or a group message goes a long way.
- Pair them up where possible. Friends do their best work in collaboration. Give them opportunities to partner with colleagues on tasks or projects rather than always working solo.
- Show genuine interest in them. Remember details about their lives. Ask follow-up questions. Friends notice — and are motivated by — the small moments of human connection.
- Create a psychologically safe team culture. Friends need to feel they can speak up, share ideas, and be themselves without fear of judgement. Model vulnerability and openness from the top.
- Be mindful during remote or hybrid periods. Distance hits Friends hardest. Schedule regular touchpoints, and make sure they're never the ones who fall through the cracks.
- Resolve conflict quickly and empathetically. Friends are sensitive to tension within a team. Address interpersonal issues early, and make it clear that the team's relationships matter to you.
In short, support your Friends by making connection a deliberate part of how your team operates, not an afterthought. When people feel they truly belong, their motivation and performance follow.
