The fact that people are more likely to befriend a co-worker than their neighbour speaks volumes about the way we now live our lives. According to KPMG, traditional neighbourhood support networks are being replaced by those we spend most of our time with - our co-workers.

The firm’s research found that when it comes to someone to confide in, ask favours of or just have a chat with the majority of workers plumped for their colleagues, over members of their own community. Our busy careers - with many of us staying late or putting in extra hours at the weekend - limit the opportunities for networking and meeting and maintaining relationships with neighbours, but as our co-workers are in a similar boat we’re turning to them for support.

But the breakdown of traditional neighbourhoods isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as forging supportive relationships at work can only mean you enjoy your job more, get greater satisfaction from it and still have the opportunity to let off steam when needed.