Due to an increase of remote work and inconsistent findings of research on workplace friendships, we decided to examine the connection between workplace friendships and work engagement in remote settings. Workplace friendship is defined as a voluntary, non- exclusive interpersonal relationship between individuals at work, involving mutual trust, affection, shared values, and interests. It is a two-dimensional construct that includes friendship opportunities and friendship prevalence. Work engagement is defined as a positive and fulfilling, work-related state of mind characterized by vigor, dedication and absorption. We examined the relationship between workplace friendships, the extent of remote work and work engagement. We chose a mixed research method and applied the Workplace Friendship Scale and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale to a sample of 157 employees in Slovenia. We then explored workplace friendships among 11 remote workers through semi-structured interviews. Through statistical analysis we found that the dimension friendship opportunities is positively related to work engagement. However, we did not find a significant connection between the extent of remote work and workplace friendships. Nevertheless, we found that the extent of remote work moderates the relationship between friendship opportunities and work engagement, specifically, the association is stronger among individuals who engage in remote work to a lesser extent. The qualitative part of the research revealed that participants have positive experiences with workplace friendships and believe that such friendships should also be encouraged by organizations. The semi-structured interviews provided a deeper insight into workplace friendships among remote workers and ways to maintain these relationships in a virtual environment.
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