A shoulder to cry on could help make the daily-grind bearable for unhappy workers.

A study conducted by Michael Sollitto, a communications professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, reveals that having a close-bond with co-workers helps frustrated employees de-stress.

Understanding this often-perceived negative communication can help managers and companies better interact with employees and improve these unsatisfying conditions, Sollitto said.

The research is critical as employers realize costs to replace, rehire and retrain employees are on the rise, and as employees continue to strive for a fulfilling career. The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics report stated that the unemployment rate is 5.6% with a 3.3% turnover rate. It is estimated that replacing an employee could cost an organization roughly $14,000.

“It is likely that employees would be willing to express their unhappiness with co-workers that they can relate with,” says Sollitto. “When expressing their dissent they are often looking for support and someone who is willing to listen, which is a better alternative to quitting.”

Bonds are often formed between co-workers who are at the same place on the corporate ladder and hold the same amount of authority. Sollitto, who specializes in co-worker relationship research, says that this act is called lateral dissent. Employees who share the same amount of authority are often more comfortable confiding their dissatisfaction with each other.

Sollitto gathered data from 120 full-time employees, 33 men, 76 women, and 11 workers who did not identify their sex. Ages of participants ranged from 19 to 65 and included top-management, management, non-management, and other staff. Employees reported working with their co-worker for one to 30 years.

“The results of this study support the idea that co-workers can serve therapeutic, supportive, and informational purposes,” said Sollitto. “And shows us the importance of creating connections with other employees who share the same work experiences.”