Sometimes you should mix business and pleasure! Co-workers are like the adult version of school friends. You see and interact with co-workers almost every single day. They're an easy friendship to build and keep up. From a time and ease perspective, they are some of the most convenient friends to have! Of course, when things go bad, they go really bad! Keep and respect boundaries when at work (and when discussing work!) to ensure your friendship doesn't go south!
What Are Co-Worker Friends?
Co-worker friendships often begin through shared projects, lunch breaks, or casual conversations, allowing you to connect over common goals and interests. These relationships not only make your workday more enjoyable but also foster collaboration, trust, and support in achieving professional success. Having friends at work can help reduce stress, improve communication, and create a sense of belonging in the workplace. Whether it's offering emotional support, celebrating milestones together, or simply sharing a laugh, co-worker friendships can enhance your career and overall well-being, making the workplace feel more like a community.
Should You Make A Co-Worker Friend?
Honestly, it’s a gamble. Sure, it can make the grind a little less soul-crushing, but tread carefully. Workplace friendships can blur the lines between professional and personal, and let’s be real—awkward drama, office gossip, and blurred boundaries aren’t fun when it’s time to clock out. But if you find that rare gem who gets you, supports your hustle, and knows when to keep things strictly work, it could totally be worth it. Just remember, trust no one completely when there’s coffee, deadlines, and promotions on the line. If you are in a position of power, it's important to be mindful on how you allow employees to view you. Respect and boundaries are essential in this friendship category.
Co-Worker Friend Benefits?
Time and convenience are major benefits to this friend. You're likely communicating frequently, making it easy to stay connected. You also have similar lifestyles, from financial to professional. Your co-workers understand you day-to-day routine and probably share your same schedule, which makes hanging out on your off days a scheduling dream! & while we can't say enough about having boundaries in this friendship, it's a huge benefit to have someone in your life that understands your work life. Venting, discussing career/business/work ideas, networking together, and having similar skillsets can bond people in a way that is pretty difficult in any other friendship category.
The Downside & What To Watch Out For With This Friend Type:
When work and friendship collide, it’s easy to misread boundaries, get caught in conflicts of interest, or have disagreements spill into your professional life. One minute you’re celebrating a project win together, the next, you're in a passive-aggressive battle over who’s getting more credit. If one of you gets a new job or leaves the current job, it can really take a toll on workplace morale. Setting boundaries is essential in this friend category!
How To Make Co-Worker Friends:
Socializing at the coffee bar, sending side messages on Slack, or meeting for a quick happy hour post-work are easy ways to strike up conversations and make co-worker friends. This friend type often develops naturally over work projects, work trips, or general day-to-day tasks. Connecting with fellow employees on LinkedIn and attending company sponsored parties/socials help you meet other co-workers you don't directly work with.
Rating Co-Worker Friends
Connection Ease:
████████ 8/10 - Easy! Your daily work routine brings you together often!
Shared Interests:
█████ 5/10 - Working together implies potentially shared interests/hobbies and lifestyle
Continue The Co-Worker Friend Conversation:
Check out Season 1, Episode 4 "Co-Worker Friends" on our podcast! Available on Spotify & major streaming platforms! You can also view this episode through our website or on Youtube.
Have a co-worker friend story to share?! We would love to hear it! Leave us a comment or message us at hardtomakefriends@gmail.com
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