Here, Naomi King, an Accountant in our UK office, reflects on the profound impact of female friendships, the health benefits and the value of cross-generational bonds, where sharing diverse perspectives fosters personal growth.

I recently read an article that got me thinking, especially as we celebrate International Women’s Day. The article[1] referenced a study from the Harvard Business Review, which found that women leaders who had mostly female friends in their inner circle earned about 2.5 times more and held more authority than those who didn’t.

When I was younger, I thought it was all about having a huge group of friends and spending all my time with them.  But as I have got older, I have realised that having a small group of friends with whom I have a strong bond is much more meaningful—and it seems studies back up this idea too.

The article pointed out that women face unique challenges compared to men, and having a close group of female friends can really help them navigate these. Female friendships often provide emotional support, understanding, and encouragement, which are all important for overall well-being and personal growth. This shows just how crucial female friendships can be, not only in general but also when it comes to a woman’s career.

Having good friends, whether they are female or not, brings many benefits. Friends can improve your life by lowering stress and boosting happiness. They can also have a positive effect on both your physical and mental health. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that people with friends and close confidants are more content with their lives and less likely to experience depression. After all, we are social beings!

Beyond emotional and career-related benefits, friendships also offer invaluable learning opportunities. One often-overlooked advantage is the value of having friends across different generations. Friendships that span age groups allow people to share wisdom, experiences, and fresh perspectives. Younger women can gain valuable life and career advice from older friends, while older friends can benefit from the energy, optimism, and modern viewpoints of younger ones. This cross-generational exchange fosters empathy, understanding, and growth, strengthening both individuals and communities. It also highlights the importance of women lifting each other up, whether through friendships, mentorships, or professional networks.

As we reflect on International Women’s Day, it’s clear that female friendships are about much more than just companionship. They are powerful drivers of success, mental and physical well-being, and personal growth. So, whether it’s an old friend who has stood by you for years or a new connection that sparks inspiration, investing in meaningful friendships is one of the best things we can do for ourselves.

After all, when women support each other, incredible things happen!

Author: Naomi King, Accountant in our UK office

 

[1] https://hbr.org/2019/02/research-men-and-women-need-different-kinds-of-networks-to-succeed