A Window into Coworkers’ Worlds: The Relational Outcomes of Learning Vivid, Unintentional, and Nonwork-Related Information about Coworkers

Abstract

Research suggests that changes in where and how employees work may make it difficult to build meaningful coworker relationships. These same changes, however, may provide a window into their coworkers’ nonwork lives—offering vivid and seemingly unintended insights into how their coworkers parent, what their hobbies are, and what their homes look like. In this way, the changing nature of work provides a potential paradox: it can simultaneously increase social distance between coworkers while potentially decreasing that distance by providing a vivid and unfiltered glimpse into their nonwork lives. Extending social penetration theory, we use a multimethod approach including experimental studies and surveys to examine how three dimensions of coworker learning—learning that is (1) more vivid, (2) perceived as unintentional, and (3) about a coworker’s nonwork life—lead an employee to view that coworker as more authentic, trustworthy, and human. Moreover, seeing a coworker in these ways increases an employee’s actual and intended investment in their personal and professional relationship with that coworker. Our findings contribute to the literatures on work relationships, social cognition, and the physical work environment.