Over half of Brits consider their co-workers to be their closest friends, a new study has found.
The research - which looked at the happiness of people at work - found that 52% of Brits consider one or more of their colleagues to be their closest pals.
We're not surprised, tbh. From secrets spilled over after-work bevvies to an in-depth knowledge of your telephone voice, a workplace bestie has the potential to know you like no other.
The team behind Hampers.com conducted the research, with more than 2,200 UK-based adults in full-time employment taking part.
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According to the findings, it takes on average of eight months for a colleague to become a BFF, on the basis of working together day-in, day-out.
That explains all that time loitering round the water cooler then, eh?
47% of respondents said that they socialise with their close friend co-workers outside of the workplace, while four fifths feel that having a best friend at work contributes to their overall happiness within their job role.
The top reasons why Brits considered co-workers to be their closest friends were:
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1. I spend the most time with them - 63 per cent
2. We tell each other everything - 53 per cent
3. I enjoy spending time with them, in and outside of work - 47 per cent
4. We're always texting/messaging - 38 per cent
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5. I feel they truly care about me - 23 per cent
Of those who spend time with fellow co-workers outside the office, 58 per cent have introduced their workplace best friend to their partner.
Meanwhile, 40 per cent have introduced colleagues to their other friends and 35 per cent have even introduced them to their family.
Out of the respondents who said their co-workers know the most about them, 65 per cent revealed they share more with colleagues than their friends outside of work.
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The most common reason for this was down to seeing them five days a week - and letting their feelings slip through the net as a result.
Overall, 83 per cent of respondents think their relationships with co-workers contribute to their overall happiness at work and contribute to whether or not they stay loyal to a firm.
Patrick Gore, Managing Director of Hampers.com commented: "We can easily spend upwards of 35 hours a week with the same group of people, so it's great to hear that some of those workplace friendships extend past the workplace.
"Not only does it make going to work five days a week more enjoyable, but it also provides entertainment and gives people a confidante in the workplace where they can share their thoughts, feelings and more."
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It's official, workplace besties are friends like other.
Featured Image Credit: BBCTopics: Life News