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Columbia Business School Professor Paul Ingram authored an article in Harvard Business Review examining how professional friendships strengthen workplace performance and well-being. Drawing on research including From Affect to Instrumentality: The Dynamics of Values Homophily in Professional Networks, Ingram explains that meaningful connections at work reduce feelings of isolation, increase trust, and improve collaboration. He argues that when employees feel socially supported, they are more resilient, more engaged, and better able to navigate uncertainty—benefits that ultimately enhance organizational effectiveness.
