Networking is widely accepted as something that can help our own careers from advancing, but can it provide any benefits for employers themselves?  Instinctively you would imagine perhaps not, as those new connections might facilitate talented employees moving on to pastures new, but a recent study finds that there are in fact some clear advantages for organizations that facilitate networking opportunities for staff.

“Work used to be a major source of friendships, and that’s declining,” the authors say. “That gives people less reason to stay. So giving people the opportunity to build their relationships could help with retention.”

Internal vs external

The researchers examined both internal and external networking to try and determine whether either type had any impact on a range of work related factors, including:

• job satisfaction
• perceived employment opportunities
• job embeddedness
• tangible job offers

Of course, both internal networking, such as casual get togethers with colleagues, and external networking, such as events arranged by trade bodies, offer opportunities for support and advise.

When the data was analyzed, it emerged that internal networking provided a boost to both job embeddedness and satisfaction.  This meant that employees felt closer to colleagues, and were therefore more inclined to stay in their job.

The opposite was the case with external networking, with engagement in this kind of activity resulting in a rise in employee turnover.  This was especially so if it coincided with low internal networking levels.

“This study reveals that internal networking behaviors are associated with a reduced likelihood of voluntary turnover, and external networking behaviors are associated with an increased likelihood of voluntary turnover,” the authors say. “Employee networking, in general, functions as a double-edged sword by simultaneously exerting opposing influences upon one’s desire and ability to leave the organization.”

Suffice to say, it isn’t recommended that you ban external networking, as this can offer a multitude of benefits, but rather offset the risks involved by increasing internal networking opportunities.