More than half of Irish workers say workplace friendships positively impact on their productivity.

According to research by Jobs.ie, 79% of workers would like to see their employer do more to encourage workplace friendships, and 69% want regular organised work nights out.

While 36% say having a good relationship with colleagues affects how they speak about their employer externally.

And 74% say it improves their general mood.

Over half (51%) of employees only socialise with colleagues on special occasions - such as Christmas parties or leaving drinks - and 9% socialise with them on a weekly basis.

A further 15% socialise with colleagues at least once a month - but 13% say they never socialise with work colleagues.

Some 53% of employees claim their employers do not actively encourage socialising with colleagues.

While only 22% of those surveyed have a workplace social or wellness committee.

Christopher Paye is general manager of Jobs.ie.

"Most of us have experienced working in both happy and less-than-happy workplace environments.

"By extension, we recognise the value of friendship and camaraderie in a high-functioning and happy workplace.

"Strong workplace connections equal greater productivity, less tension, a more collaborative working culture, and greater staff retention.

"The latter has taken on renewed importance in recent years given the current competition for talent.

"Despite the multitude of very self-apparent benefits, our research suggests that many employers are failing to invest in proactively facilitating workplace socialising or to meet the expectations of their employees looking to develop closer bonds with colleagues."

It analysed data collected from 2,770 respondents to an online survey in June 2019.