Friends at work

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5 Steps To Easily Connect With Your Co-Workers



Being the newest member of an office can be pretty challenging. It's almost like in high school when you're the new kid on the block. Everyone's looking at you but you're not sure if they're going to be friends or foes.

So, you carefully gauge how to become part of the group. Keep in mind that you're joining a workplace that already has established dynamics. You can't just come in and say, "Hey, let's be friends. I can take over some of your tasks." You should get to know everyone first, observe how they interact, and decide on what you can do to earn your co-workers' trust.

We all know that things get done in a more efficient and pleasant manner when you get along with the people you work with. Being friends with your co-workers is a priceless benefit that could even spell the difference between you staying in the office for years or bolting for the door in just a few weeks.

Here are five ways to bond and connect better with your co-workers:

1. Make An Effort Outside The Office


Coworkers bonding outside the office at lunch

When you can, make an effort to mingle with your co-workers after office hours or during meetings. You can get a quick bite and talk about what happened at work that day. Ask them about their neighborhood ("Have you lived there long?"), their families ("How many kids do you have?"), and their interests ("Are you into snowboarding?").

Be curious about your co-workers, but don't be intrusive. They will share more information with you once you gain their trust. It also helps if you volunteer information about yourself—but nothing too intimate or too shocking, okay?

2. Stop Complaining About Work


Happy coworkers getting along at work

Unless you're all sitting around releasing tension about the stress you all experience at work, it's best if you don't bring up negative things about the workplace.

You might be stressed but that's no reason to dump all your frustrations on your co-workers. There are different strategies for handling stress that don't involve annoying the people you work with. After all, you're all working for the same company. Even if you don't really like the way things are done, some of your co-workers may have different opinions.

3. Look For Common Ground


Two coworkers having a conversation on their break

A great way to find out more about your co-workers is to connect on social media. On Facebook, for instance, you can easily see what groups they're in and what shows they watch.

You can start a conversation during downtime at work about any of these things. You can ask, "Who's your favorite character on The Walking Dead?" or "Oh, your grandparents are from Ireland? Mine are too."

It may start out as small talk but it may also pave the way for a long-lasting friendship that goes beyond the workplace.

4. Collaborate On Projects


Coworkers bond while collaborating on a project

Obviously, you can't do everything alone. When working on a project, see which tasks you need help with. Seek out your co-workers' guidance—the senior staff members, especially—because they often have a better or faster way of doing things. Identify your co-workers' strengths and ask for their help on matters that need their expertise.

For instance, you can ask your office accountant to take a look at your financial report. You can say, "I need a fresh pair of eyes. Please have a look if you're not busy." Emphasize that you value your co-workers' input but make it clear that you're not totally dependent on them. You'll earn their respect if you show that you're capable and good at what you do.

5. Share Credit (Don't Hog All The Glory)


Happy coworkers connecting and working together as a team

Don't claim that you did everything, especially when you didn't. For example, when your boss praises you for a good idea that didn't actually come from you, you can say, "That wasn't my idea. It was Kelly's."

If you're still apprehensive about being accepted by your co-workers, just remember to do your job efficiently and promptly. Then, top it off with being nice and sincere. You certainly can't go wrong with that strategy.

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5 Steps To Easily Connect With Your …



Do you have friends at work? You don't have to be friends with everyone you work with, but making meaningful connections in the workplace improves collaboration, productivity, and job satisfaction. Also, your work environment becomes more positive and supportive when you have friends in the workplace. If you're starting a new job or simply haven't made any friends at work yet, what can you do to connect with others and make a friend or two?

We recently asked our leading executives for their best tips on how to make friends at work.

Here are their responses...

Ana Smith, Leadership Development & Learning Strategist


Making friends at work, especially in a hybrid work environment, requires a combination of social skills, communication, and genuine interest in others. Here are some expert tips to help you build strong friendships with your colleagues in a hybrid world:

  1. Participate in Social Activities: Engage in both virtual and in-person social activities organized by your company or colleagues. These can include team-building events, online coffee breaks, virtual happy hours, or in-person outings. Participating in these activities provides opportunities to connect with your coworkers in a relaxed setting.
  2. Active Communication: Make an effort to communicate regularly with your colleagues, both online and offline. Utilize instant messaging platforms, emails, and virtual meetings to stay connected with remote colleagues. In the office, take time to have casual conversations and get to know your coworkers on a personal level.
  3. Express Interest in Others: Show genuine interest in your colleagues' lives, interests, and hobbies. Ask them about their weekend plans, hobbies, or any personal projects they are working on. Active listening and remembering details about their lives can help strengthen your connections.
  4. Be Approachable and Friendly: Create an approachable and friendly demeanor. Smile, use positive body language, and be receptive to conversations with your coworkers. A warm and welcoming attitude can encourage others to approach you and initiate conversations.
  5. Find Common Interests: Discover shared interests with your colleagues. Whether it's a hobby, a favorite TV show, or a sport, having common ground can serve as a great conversation starter and strengthen your bond.
  6. Offer Help and Support: Be supportive of your coworkers and offer help when needed. Collaborating on projects or assisting with challenges can create a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.
  7. Organize Informal Gatherings: Take the initiative to organize informal gatherings, whether it's a virtual game night, a lunch meetup, or a casual walk during breaks. These gatherings can help foster a sense of community among colleagues.
  8. Respect Boundaries: While building friendships, it's essential to be respectful of colleagues' boundaries and professional space. Some individuals may prefer to keep their personal and professional lives separate, so be mindful of their preferences.
  9. Celebrate Milestones and Achievements: Acknowledge your colleagues' milestones and accomplishments. Congratulate them on their successes, both personally and professionally, and celebrate special occasions like birthdays or work anniversaries.
  10. Be Patient and Consistent: Building meaningful friendships takes time, so be patient and consistent in your efforts. Keep nurturing your connections and be willing to invest in maintaining these relationships.

Remember, making friends at work in a hybrid world requires adapting to different communication channels and being proactive in reaching out to both in-person and remote colleagues. By fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, you can create lasting friendships that enhance your overall work experience.

Ana Smith helps people & organizations achieve their full talent potential by developing and co-creating people strategies and customized solutions, and turning them into impactful outcomes and collaborative relationships, using coaching as the "red thread."

Lisa Perry, Global Marketing Executive


Happy coworkers/friends at work

Having that go-to work buddy you can rely on to vent about your boss or cheer for those big victories—it’s the best thing! Friends at work contribute to job satisfaction, collaboration, productivity, and well-being. According to a Gallup survey, women with a best friend at work are twice as likely to be engaged in what they're doing. Making friends with coworkers is a valuable skill that can enhance your career experience and create a positive work environment. Most importantly, it can make you happy!

Here are a few pointers, whether you're starting a job or wanting to make friends in your current role:

  • Foster Approachability & Positivity: Creating a welcoming and approachable demeanor is the first step to making friends at work. Great your coworkers with a warm smile, engage in small talk that conveys authentic interest, and steer clear of consistent complaints or engaging in office gossip to maintain a positive atmosphere.
  • The Power of Small Gestures: Begin by learning people’s names and incorporating them into conversations to create a positive impact right from the start. Next, invest your time in celebrating important milestones such as birthdays, work anniversaries, and personal achievements to show appreciation for your coworkers.
  • Participation Is Key: Embrace involvement in various activities from team-building initiatives and company-sponsored events to casual social gatherings, as these opportunities offer an excellent avenue for establishing meaningful connections with your coworkers.
  • Shared Interests as a Bonding Foundation: Seek out common areas that resonate with you and your coworkers. Whether it’s shared workplace challenges or mutual hobbies, these share elements can lay the groundwork for nurturing meaningful connections.
  • Extend a Helping Hand: Support your coworkers by lending a hand with projects. This collaboration effort underscores your teamwork capabilities and provides a platform to foster genuine workplace friendship.

Incorporating these strategies into your workplace interactions can enrich your well-being, underscoring the significance of cultivating meaningful friendships at work.

Lisa Perry helps companies build leadership brands, driving loyal customers & delivering profitability. She does this through a process that builds brands consumers love. Her goal is to help companies develop, monetize, and grow their brands.

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Executive Spotlight: How To Make Friends At …

Leaving Friends Behind: What To Consider When You Leave Your Job



A few times in my career, I have made the conscious choice to leave a position, and once that decision was made for me. As I read about layoffs, recession, and turmoil in the workplace, I think about these moments.

The Buddhists have a tenant about “impermanence.” Nothing is permanent or forever. Everything changes moment by moment each day. Working for a company is the same… it will not be forever regardless of your choice or someone else's decision. At some point, you will move on.

Meeting People During Your Career


New employee makes friends at work

When you spend one-third or more each year at work, you will meet many people. Acquaintances, colleagues, and friends will pass through your life. The friends make it difficult when you leave.

I have a few friends who I have known throughout my career. People I talk to regularly throughout my life, and some I have not seen in years. However, I can call or email these people at any moment, and I know they are there for me. Despite leaving them behind when I moved jobs, I am still grateful these people are in my life.

Colleagues who I have not seen in many years are pleasant surprises. Hearing from them at random times, I enjoy the memories brought back with each encounter. I am also grateful when someone thinks fondly of our time together in the past. I take a lot of meaning from these brief encounters.

Thousands of acquaintances have also passed through my life. The world is a smaller place every day, and occasionally I cross paths with one of these people. I enjoy reconnecting with these brief encounters and reliving a part of my past.

Leaving Is The Hardest Part…


Woman talks to a coworker

​I confess, when the decision comes to move on, I find it very difficult to leave the people. These friends made my time with the company enjoyable. We accomplished some great things! We worked through difficult times and still achieved great results. Even in the darkest of hours, we found ways to have fun and persevere. These connections are the most difficult.

Although I want to believe I will always be in contact with these special people, life creates challenges. I do not see these people often enough, and I do not connect as often as I like. I even feel guilty at times about growing apart. However, the true friends will always be there, and we can drop back into our connection very easily.

Difficult Choices


Man thinks about leaving his job

If you are left with the difficult choice to move on and do something different, know two things. First, those who really care and respect you will remember your time. They will appreciate the work you accomplished. They will remain connected. They will be your friends for a long time. Second, true friends will be happy and supportive of your decision to make a change. They will congratulate you and support your choice. They may not like it or feel left behind; however, they will understand.

Although you feel guilty for leaving, remember those who mean something to you will remain in your life. When you make a connection, it will not break because you are leaving a situation. The friendship will persevere.

Leaving your friends will weigh upon you in making your decision to leave. This feeling is normal. Embrace it because these people made a difference in your life. Know that true friends will always be there no matter how far apart you grow.

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Leaving Friends Behind: What To Consider When …

5 Reasons Why You Don’t Have Friends At Work



As humans, we need some form of social interaction (some of us more than others). However, we all do need and thrive on the simple act of connecting to people.

For the majority of us, our social fabric is created through work. We see these people every day. We have work in common. We get to know them in ways the spouses and significant others simply don't. When we leave these people due to job change, it can be painful.

Yet, despite all this social goodness that work can bring, what happens when it doesn't happen to you? What do you do when you don't have friends at work? No one to save you space at a meeting or light up when you enter a room? It happens, and when it does, there's no lonelier place to be. It can be so impactful that it can cause a person to look for another job.

Here are situations you may be facing and what you can do about them:

You're New In The Office


Young man setting up his desk in a new office.

You may think you're past due for connecting with people in a deeper way at work. Sometimes the dynamic is such that it simply takes a while and ongoing persistence to break through.

You Got Off On The Wrong Foot With Your Co-Workers


Young man getting off on the wrong foot with his coworker in the office.

It doesn't matter if you were misinterpreted. Somehow you did something right off the bat that got you sideways with many of your peers. If you did do something wrong, make amends and don't do it again.

Being the bigger person takes courage, but you will win friends. If there is nothing to make amends for, stay friendly and ignore the undertow. It will eventually fade.

The Work Cliques Are Too Strong To Penetrate


Young man looking sad at his desk as his coworkers laugh and talk behind him.

Just like high school, there are work situations where you are the outsider and will stay that way for an indefinite period of time. Most likely these people have worked together for a while and the bond is tight. They probably don't realize how unfriendly they may seem.

You need to be friendly and make efforts to get to know each person at an individual level. It may take some big work event, like a year-end close, to be the final catalyst that forms the bond. There's nothing like being in the trenches with people to nail the trust and support.

You're Not A Cultural Fit


Young woman looking sad at her desk because she's not making friends at work as quickly as she'd like.

That feels like a hard message, but it truly is not personal. We all have values and work styles we wear like a suit. They are out there for everyone to see and experience. Many times, when we aren't a cultural fit, we are out of step with the people we work with.

This makes it hard to form friendships. If you aren't a cultural fit, you need to admit it and move on. It not only won't help form friendships, but it won't help your career either.

You're An Introvert Who's Turning More Inward


Introverted young man sitting separate from his coworkers in a break room.

For an introvert, it can be tough to push yourself toward people you don't know. When an introvert is surrounded by 'strangers,' it's easy to retreat even further. You could appear kind of wonky and unapproachable, making it difficult for co-workers to approach you.

You've set up your own lonely situation and only you can make your way out. To make it less overwhelming, simply focus on one or two people with whom you feel some form of affinity, and focus on getting to know them. It will help you overall and will become a catalyst for forming more relationships.

Workplace relationships can make or break a job. They can nourish you and help you excel in your career if they are healthy workplace relationships. When those bonds are not forming, it can make you feel very lonely. But there are things you can do to improve the situation. You need patience and a friendly smile.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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5 Reasons Why You Don’t Have Friends …