Study links good workplace relationships to fewer injuries and illnesses

September 24, 2025

Kitakyushu, Japan — Workers who have stronger connections with co-workers and management are less likely to be injured or have health-related issues, according to the results of a recent study out of Japan.

Researchers surveyed 11,000 employees at Japanese companies. Questions asked about three types of “workplace social capital”:

·         Bonding – relationships between members of the same social structure

·         Bridging – relationships across social structures, such as workplace teams

·         Linking – relationships between workplace teams and management

The researchers conducted a follow-up survey on work-related injuries and illnesses one year later.

Workers with “high total WSC scores” had 37% fewer injuries or illnesses than those with low WSC scores. High scores for each type of social capital were also associated with a lower risk of injuries or illnesses: 32% for bonding, 27% for bridging and 45% for linking.

Even the workers with “intermediate total WSC scores” had 17% fewer injuries and illnesses than the participants with low WSC scores.

“The findings add to previous evidence that higher scores for WSC – relationships that promote cooperation and coordination to accomplish work – may be associated with the effectiveness of workplace safety measures,” an American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine press release states.

Added study co-author Tomohisa Nagata: “Managers need to be aware that promoting trust and cooperation with their subordinates contributes to the prevention of occupational injuries and illnesses.”

The study was published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.