Workplace drama might seem like a productivity killer, but it can actually unite teams in surprising ways. A recent study shows that high-stress situations—like surprise layoffs or strikes—can break down long-standing departmental barriers. Researchers studied a South Korean broadcasting company where once-divided employees banded together after union leaders were fired. The key to this transformation? Shared memories forged through collective experience. Before the conflict, departments like reporting, engineering, and production barely interacted—some even held grudges based on past treatment. But once everyone faced the same threat, they began coordinating efforts, appreciating each other's strengths, and developing a shared identity. Flash mobs, rallies, and teamwork replaced isolation. Even everyday moments, like awkward team lunches or shared jokes, can lay the groundwork for future collaboration. However, this bonding can also create new divisions between those involved and those who opted out. Ultimately, workplace drama—while disruptive—can offer a rare opportunity to build stronger, more connected teams through the power of shared experience.