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In today’s email:

• The Hidden Power of Workplace Friendships: Boosting Productivity and Job Satisfaction

• Have We Found the Fountain of Youth?: Not So Fast.

• Don’t Miss the Poll at the End: We need your opinion!

Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest episodes and news of Allies by following our updates today!

MAIN STORY

Workplace Friendships or Frenemies? How to Handle Competition Between Friends at Work

This past weekend, Drake recently said at a Toronto party, “…People you thought were friends, they might switch up… they might stab you in the back, they might do a lot of things to you. You’ll come to the realization… it’s you and you alone.” You don’t have to be an A-list rapper to be able to relate to the concept of having no friends in the industry.

Research has found that having a best friend at work is one of the strongest predictors of whether a person is likely to stay in their job. Having friends at work can make the daily grind more enjoyable and foster a supportive environment. Sharing laughs and experiences with colleagues can boost morale and even enhance productivity. On the other hand, it's important to navigate these relationships carefully to maintain professionalism and avoid potential conflicts.

Workplace friendships can present challenges, such as rumors, sexual harassment, nepotism, and favoritism. Research by Grayson (2007) found that blending work and personal relationships can lead to conflict due to mismatched expectations. While some research highlights the benefits of social interactions like gossip and humor for cohesion and cooperation, these same dynamics can also create division and exclusion. For example, humor can foster bonding but may pressure employees to conform to certain group identities. Studies have shown that male employees with stronger social connections to male managers are often promoted more frequently, regardless of their performance

Here are 4 Professional Tips for Building Lasting Friendships at Work:

1. Decorate your space - Personalize your workspace with pictures or trinkets that reflect your personality and hobbies. Displaying family photos or decorations can spark conversations and reveal shared interests with coworkers.

2. Attend work and nonwork events - On your first day, inquire about fun work events, such as after-work hangouts or team-building activities, to connect with colleagues. Check with supervisors about any committees that plan social events and how to get involved. Joining is a great way to participate in social gatherings.

3. Recognize and support others - Celebrate your coworkers' successes with a shout-out to show appreciation and recognize their vital role in the team.

4. Offer to help - Build stronger work connections by helping coworkers without being asked. Small gestures, like delivering mail or assisting on projects, foster a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere and cultivate relationships.

Read the full list here.

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THE FLIP SIDE

New Research Questions the Future of Human Lifespan Expansion

Despite all the advancements in modern medicine and technology, it appears we may have reached a limit. After all, who wouldn’t want to live forever? Yet, new research suggests there may be a cap on how long we can live. A recent study reveals that the steady increase in average lifespan throughout the 20th century is now slowing down. Researchers believe this indicates that simply trying to extend our years may not be the most effective approach.

Researchers found that although people are living longer, the growth in life expectancy has slowed since 2010. Few individuals born in 2019 are likely to reach 100, with 12.8% of women and 4.4% of men in the healthiest nations, and only 3.1% of women and 1.3% of men in the U.S., expected to do so.

What’s the Takeaway?

While medicine has extended our lives, most advances target specific age-related diseases, like cancer or heart disease, rather than the aging process itself. Stuart Jay Olshansky argues we've reached the limits of natural lifespan, and this disease-focused approach will now offer only minimal gains in longevity.

• “We’re playing this game of Whack-a-Mole with aging-related diseases.” — Olshansky.

• Olshansky advises caution regarding the current excitement in the anti-aging industry, as claims of imminent amazing treatments should be viewed skeptically.

While we might not ever find the legendary fountain of youth, a mythical source of eternal life and vitality that has captivated human imagination for centuries, there's still so much we can do to make our time on this planet as peaceful and healthy as it can be. By embracing a holistic approach to well-being (and reading BFA Collective, of course).

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Khi Infinite

Khi Infinite is an American hip-hop recording artist from Chesapeake ,Virginia. His latest single, ‘Pineapple Rum,’ is an irresistibly catchy hit that captures your attention and wins your heart from the very first listen. The song is a masterful blend of vibrant melodies and engaging rhythms that create an unforgettable listening experience. It will have you singing “It’s love, it’s love, it’s love, it’s love” all day without even realizing it.