In Part 1, we explored the decline of workplace friendships, citing U.S. and U.K. data and top themes raised by professionals. But are we truly losing something valuable, or just redefining what workplace connection looks like?
In this second instalment, we:
- Look at how friendship and connection are approached in German workplaces
- Explore the concept of Feierabend and its role in separating work and personal life
- Reflect on whether this shift might actually be healthy
A German Comparison: Colleagues Are Colleagues
In Germany, the maxim is often stated plainly:
“Your colleagues are your colleagues, and your friends are your friends.” (smartergerman.com)
Key hallmarks of German work culture include:
- Formality & Task Focus: Minimal small talk; interactions centre on clear objectives (wearedevelopers.com).
- Clear Work–Life Boundaries: Socialising is often kept separate from the workplace, with personal time prioritised outside of office hours (edstellar.com).
- Feierabend – The Right to Disconnect: German companies such as Volkswagen block emails after hours to protect personal time and promote true downtime (karunanews.org).
I remembered first encountering the idea of Feierabend years ago and wondered whether our current shift to fewer office friendships might actually be moving us closer to clearer work–life lines and this German model.
So, could it be that instead of mourning lost camaraderie, we’re simply embracing a cultural shift? And one which may come with its own advantages?
Benefits of Feierabend for Managers & Employees
- Boosted Productivity & Creativity: Well-defined breaks and true rest periods enhance regeneration of body and mind, leading to higher performance and innovative thinking when back at work.
- Reduced Burnout: Rituals like changing into leisure clothes help employees mentally switch off, decreasing stress and preventing overwork.
- Improved Mental Recovery – Using free time well helps workers recharge and boosts performance.
- Boundary Modeling by Managers – Managers modelling these behaviours signal permission for healthy boundaries
(strategy.rest).
In Part 3, we’ll look at the outcome of our poll and share some insights from our own team. Want to have your voice in our poll? Vote here.