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Why should you learn how to make friends at work?
11 ways to make friends at work
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Why should you learn how to make friends at work?
11 ways to make friends at work
Wondering how to make friends at work? Whether you just started a new job or are craving more connection in your current role, you’re not alone.
Human connection makes our lives more meaningful, and enjoyable. Having someone to talk to about non-work things can make the office more fun. Not to mention, having good social skills in the workplace can have a positive impact on your career.
In fact, one survey from Gallup showed people who have work friendships put in more effort on the job. Women who said they have a best friend at work were more than twice as likely to engaged than those who didn’t.
Clearly, learning how to make friends at work is important. It can also feel even harder when you aren't seeing people in person.
If you're starting a new job, it can be intimidating. You might be wondering if you’ll get along with your colleagues. You might feel like you don't have any shared experiences with anyone from the company. Maybe they’ve worked at your new company for years and have already developed friendships.
Or if you’ve been in your job for a while, suddenly trying to make friends with your coworkers can be tough. They may think you’re not interested in getting to know anyone just because you haven't been focused on it. When you’re hoping to make friends, overcoming these obstacles is necessary.
The good news is that you can learn how to befriend your colleagues. In the process, you may even find your new best friend. Or, at least your new best work friend. Let’s dive into why having friends at work is important and what steps you can take to develop warm relationships with your co-workers (and maybe even find your “besties”).
To some people, a job is just a job. They don’t care about work friendships. These individuals are solely interested in showing up in the office or virtual space, getting their tasks done, and leaving as soon as they can.
This desire for focus and efficiency is understandable, especially if you have a lot of responsibilities outside of work. But being busy and productive doesn't mean you can't make work friends.
While there’s no harm in having a work-life balance, being too aloof to your colleagues can damage your well-being and even your career. You don’t have to join your coworkers for happy hour every day or see them on the weekend — a work friend can simply be anyone you enjoy interacting with at the office.
Here are 6 reasons to open up and learn how to make friends at work:
Making new friends can be intimidating. Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, you don’t want to come on too strong. However, you need to do your best to build these relationships. If you need extra support, consider using BetterUp. We can help you build your confidence so that you can flourish in the workplace.
In the meantime, here are some tips to help you make friends at work:
Your work friends have the potential to be lifelong friends. But, they don't have to be. Putting too much pressure on work friendships can squash them before they even get started. If they bloom into something bigger, let them. Until then, remember, boundaries.
It’s important to maintain professionalism in your relationships. Here are some things to keep in mind as you build connections at the office:
Navigating a new work environment can be stressful. But making new friends can make the experience so much more exciting. Remember to be kind to yourself and others, take your time, and trust that the relationships will eventually come.
Now that you know how to make friends at work, you can find your work bestie. And if you’re struggling, BetterUp can help you on your journey. Together we can hone your communication skills, help you overcome shyness, and learn how to set appropriate boundaries.
Content Marketing Manager, ACC
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