How to build friendships in the workplace while staying professional

True communication in the workplace is essential for personal and professional success. Most of us naturally form these connections, because we spend a large part of our lives at work. After finishing school, many people in their twenties move to new cities for jobs, where they face the task of creating a completely new social circle from scratch. The workplace becomes an ideal place for interpersonal communication. Activities like a morning cup of coffee, team sports, or just sharing meals are opportunities to make connections with coworkers. These interactions not only help overcome feelings of isolation, but also add a sense of camaraderie and support to your daily work routine.

Make friends at work:

There is a difference between typical business relationships and real friendships. In general, the people we work with are not necessarily friends. In our personal lives, it often takes years of building trust to bring someone into our circle of friends. However, many of us make friends with colleagues we have worked with, often for years. And it may continue to thrive long after you leave this workplace.

Benefits of friendships at work:

Friendships can lead to huge benefits. A 2021 survey of friendships and happiness in the workplace found that 57% of respondents said having a friend at work significantly boosted job satisfaction. In addition, 22% of respondents believe that workplace friendships boost their efficiency. 21% believe these connections spur innovation.

When employees are happy, engaged, and productive, and the work meets their individual needs, they are more likely to achieve their full potential. Communication is essential in the workplace; it helps us create a sense of belonging, be motivated and effective, and strong relationships can facilitate communication and sharing of advice between co-workers. However, it is important to note that workplace friendships can have a downside. Friendships at work can be a problem due to rumors, nepotism, and nepotism, to name a few. The concepts of "work" and "play" often conflict when career goals intersect, or it may be worse when there is a conflict. However, many of these problems can be mitigated by setting clear boundaries.

Prevent burnout:

Employees aren't the only ones who benefit from friends in the workplace – there are also significant benefits for employers. For example, enhancing employee engagement through a respectful and inclusive work culture reduces employee turnover rates. Employees who have friends at work are more likely to feel passionate about their roles. These individuals also tend to interact with customers, deliver high-quality work, and express greater degrees of well-being overall compared to those without working friends. Apart from creating a supportive atmosphere, workplace friendships reduce people's tendency to look for other job opportunities.

Intergenerational friendships:

It is important to cultivate intergenerational friendships at work. You should consider expanding your networks to get the most out of these meaningful relationships. However, making friends with supervisors can be difficult, as such relationships carry the risk of favoritism and can undermine the integrity and effectiveness of the workplace. Companies therefore seek to prioritize mentorship programs: pairing younger employees with experienced employees, this provides guidance, feedback and support, bridging the gap between people and the company. Mentoring is also a great way to bridge any generational gaps. Whether it's a traditional peer program or someone who takes you under their wing.

Realistic tips:

To make sure that friendships in the workplace are positive and don't lead to consequences, there are some basic guidelines and boundaries that employees should consider:

1- Do your best to greet your coworkers, celebrate their achievements, and invite them to lunch or a cup of coffee after work.

2- Stay professional at work, even when spending time with friends.

3- Be kind to those around you: Avoid behaviors that may exclude others and stay away from gossip. Although not everyone can make friends naturally, maintaining a respectful behavior is key.

4- Handle disagreements maturely: If you and your friend at work have difficulty in your relationship, don't blame them. Address problems maturely and work together to resolve them.

5- Balance socialization and work: If your friendship consumes a lot of your time or affects productivity, adjust how you interact at work.

6- Don't engage in nepotism: Make sure your friendship doesn't lead to favoritism, as this can damage team dynamics and trust.

7- Respect privacy: Do not share the personal information of your friends at work with other colleagues without their permission.

8- Communicate clearly and stick to boundaries with your friends at work.

The end:

Having friends at work can be a good thing, it is good for mental and physical health, prevents loneliness, and leads to better corporate and organization performance. But, like all relationships, it's important to always remember and respect boundaries.