In the age of Slack and layoffs, is the work bestie even a thing anymore?

Or are they an outdated artifact of the pre-Zoom culture?

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Once upon a time, there were two guarantees when getting a new job: a 401(k) and a work wife/hubby or bestie.

No one assigns you. There’s no official moment. One day, they are just there. The person who can help you translate your boss’s cryptic email, exchange eyerolls after annoying comments at the staff meeting, or share your emergency stash of M&M’s at 3 p.m.

But then 2026 happened and many of us work with colleagues we’ve only seen from the shoulders up on Zoom. So, I must ask, are work besties even a thing anymore? Or are they an outdated artifact of the pre-video conference culture?

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Why You Need a Work BFF

Science backs up the value of office besties. Research shows that employees with at least one close friend at work are happier, more engaged, and stay longer than employees who go it alone, according to the Gallup Employment Engagement Survey. That means, if you like who you work with, you’re more likely to show up fully present and keep showing up.

1. Help you survive tough days. When sh*t hits the fan with a meeting, presentation, or project, you have someone to commiserate with and vent to.

2. Provide psychological safety. It feels safer to take risks when you have someone cheering you on. You are more likely to propose the out-of-the-box idea, say what you really think, and bounce back from feedback.

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