A job is just a job to some people. Friendships made at work are irrelevant to them. These people only care about turning up at the office or online, finishing their work, and getting out of there as soon as possible. This drive for focus and efficiency is understandable, especially if you have a lot of duties outside of work. However, being active and successful does not preclude making colleagues your friends. While maintaining a work-life balance is beneficial, being overly distant from your coworkers might impair your health and possibly your job. A work friend can be anyone you enjoy engaging with at the office; you don’t have to go to happy hour with your coworkers every day or see them on the weekends.
To open up and learn how to make friends at work, consider these six factors:
1. Your morale will improve
Workplace interactions give you a sense of belonging. Your team will be there for you through the highs and lows of your professional and personal lives, which might improve how satisfied you are at work. Also, being social at work has been connected to having superior stress management skills.
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2. You’ll be more productive
When you get to know your coworkers, you’ll feel more devoted to your group and your work. This will encourage you to put in more effort and do well. Your career advancement may ultimately benefit from that.
3. They can help you grow
Friends at work will look out for you and will be more inclined to help you with any work struggles. You can ask them for career advice if they have more experience than you do, and they might make excellent references for you in the future.
4. You’ll communicate more effectively
When you build a rapport with someone, it’s easy to exchange comments and suggestions. This improved communication will help increase the productivity of your whole team.
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5. You’ll have a more enjoyable work experience
On average, you spend eight hours or more at the office each day. You spend a lot of time doing that. If you can get along with your coworkers, that time can be more enjoyable.
6. Friends at work become friends for life
Work friends get to know you very well after spending so much time together. That remains the same even after you leave your work. These folks have the potential to remain in your life for a very long time. These relationships can assist you in the future in networking and finding new jobs in addition to the friendship benefits.
Ways to make friends at work.
Meeting new acquaintances might be frightening. You don’t want to come across as overly assertive, whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert. However, you need to do your best to build these relationships. Use BetterUp if you require additional assistance. We can help you increase your confidence so that you can flourish in the workplace.
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1. Bring snacks
Got a fantastic cookie recipe? Show it off. Pick something up at your favorite pastry shop if baking isn’t your style. Put it in the break room with a note indicating you’re delighted to be part of the team (be sure to specify any allergens, though!).
2. Attend or plan work events
To spend time together and connect, you might suggest a happy hour, a team-building exercise, or a group lunch, depending on your company’s culture.
3. Go for a walk together
We spend too much time sitting at our desks. Invite a coworker to join you as you take a walk to stretch your legs.
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4. Pay your coworkers compliments
Inform them of your admiration for them after getting to know them. It might have to do with their sense of fashion, cooking, or a job-related issue. Making someone feel good is a terrific approach to connect.
5. Lean into the small talk
Ask them about their weekend activities, their travel plans, and other common topics. Later on, this will lay the foundation for more in-depth discussions.
6. Spend your breaks with them
In a day, you might not interact with many people if your occupation is lonely. The best time to interact with your coworkers may be during your breaks.
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7. Use shared spaces
Several workplaces include communal areas for their personnel. Bring a laptop and set up shop for a couple hours to open you up to new connections or expand on existing relationships.
8. Personalize your desk or work area
Your workspace gains character from pictures and decorations. Show off your personality without fear. When coworkers visit you, you might find that you have certain interests with them or that they learn that you have children, which is a terrific conversation starter. Be genuine, and friendships will develop over time.
9. Radiate positivity
Being upbeat will make you more enjoyable to be around. Also, it will assist you in locating other fun, energetic individuals who can lift your emotions.
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10. Learn names and use them often
Using someone’s name may seem little, yet it demonstrates your concern for them. Also, it will show others that you are interested in getting to know them.
11. Take your time
Friendships at work don’t just happen. Keep in mind that friendships can develop gradually and naturally over time. Be tolerant.
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