Losing a friend at work can feel surprisingly heavy. The workplace isn’t just a professional environment. It’s also a social environment where we spend much of our daily lives. When a colleague who was also a close friend leaves, the absence can leave a noticeable emotional gap that affects both morale and productivity.

Work friendships often provide a sense of support and shared understanding that makes challenges easier to handle. Having someone who “gets it” can turn stressful and long days into manageable ones, offering laughter, perspective, and solidarity. When that person is gone, the day-to-day rhythm changes. Work feel quieter, less engaging, and the motivation to come in every day can fall. For many, it can even lead to feelings of loneliness or disengagement from the workplace community.

From a psychological perspective, this kind of loss is a form of social grief. It disrupts routines and removes a key source of emotional connection. Tutors might withdraw temporarily or feel less invested in their team’s dynamics. Managers and coworkers often underestimate this impact but acknowledging it openly can help; whether through casual check-ins, small social gestures, or redistributing collaborative roles to rebuild connection.

At the same time, losing a work friend can also prompt reflection and growth. It may encourage you to expand your social circle, or strengthen other relationships. While the immediate impact can be difficult, over time, it can foster resilience and adaptability, valuable skills in any workplace. Ultimately, losing a friend at work reminds us that professional life is deeply human: relationships shape not just how we work, but how we feel while doing it.

Lewin Fairbairn