How to Make Friends at Work

Last updated on August 14th, 2023 at 07:36 am

Having meaningful relationships at work is more crucial than ever and is frequently correlated with job happiness.

Moreover, why bother going to work if you don’t have a work bestie to support you when your boss berates you or when your work rival irritates you to the breaking point?

Having a buddy at work may help ease stress and make the entire day more fun. But if you’re having trouble making friends (we get it, it may be difficult), you’ll need some tips to assist you along.

Here are 10 ways to make friends at work:

1. Participate in small talk

Small conversation can be difficult at the best of times, let alone when you’re placed into a cubicle with someone you don’t know (but must get to know) and can’t really leave. However, socializing is vital for creating solid office connections.

You should stick to work-related inquiries on your first day, such as “How long have you worked here?” and “What made you choose this career path?” Alternatively, after you’ve been there for a time, you might connect with others by discussing personal hobbies such as travel and music.

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2. Introduce yourself to new workmates 

Unless we happen to bump into them in a common space, we may go years without meeting the folks who sit 50 feet from our office. Although it might be unpleasant to strike up a conversation with a stranger, it’s a terrific approach to create relationships with coworkers you wouldn’t otherwise speak with.

If you see non-department colleagues in the staff kitchen or corridor, for example, do not hesitate to introduce yourself or say “hi.” In order to make the discussion as casual as possible, you may inquire about their work function. The next time you encounter them, you may discuss more things, and before you know it, you’ll be discussing your weekend plans and annual vacation.

3. Eat lunch in communal areas

It is significantly more advantageous to take a break and eat in the lunchroom, despite the temptation to have lunch at your desk and avoid connection with the outside world. This not only allows you to concentrate and relax your mind, but also provides an opportunity to get to know your coworkers on a more personal level.

The best moment to bond with your coworkers, lunchtime conversations typically cover any subject (other than business). Typically, lunchtime friendships develop into trustworthy connections over time.

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4. Suggest going out for lunch

If you’ve struck up a rapport with a coworker in the breakroom, why not invite them to lunch or coffee outside the office? Remember that your lunch break is an excellent time to build professional ties. They are brief enough that you won’t run out of things to say, yet lengthy enough to get to know individuals on a personal level.

If they appear interested, you have made a colleague. If not, no damage was done! At least you attempted to build an office connection!

5. Participate in team activities

Most firms with a healthy corporate culture organize both in-office and off-site events. These give the ideal opportunity to meet people you do not work closely with on a daily basis and get to know them outside of the workplace.

If they occur during work hours, then these activities are often mandatory. On the other hand, events outside of work are not required, but they are essential if you want to create work buddies. Although it is not required that you attend every meeting, it is advisable that you occasionally attend.

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6. Start an interest group

Some businesses pay little attention to group activities. Consequently, if you work for a firm that lacks pre-established groups, why not form one yourself?

You may connect your hobbies with those of your coworkers and share in their enjoyment. For instance, if you play five-a-side football, why not engage business personnel and form a work team? Or, if you’re a bibliophile, why not start a book club where you can debate the hottest new novel with other readers?

7. Treat your coworkers to baked goods

A delicious meal is a certain path to anyone’s heart. Therefore, if you have a secret recipe, why not share it with the rest of your coworkers? They will value the work you put into your baking, and they will thank you for the delicious sweets!

Other home bakers may ask about your recipe and be more receptive to discussing their own specialties with you if you bring in snacks.

8. Use open body language

If your body language in the job conveys the wrong idea, you may be harming your professional connections. If you sit with your arms crossed, your headphones in your ears, and your head down, you are practically asking everyone not to bother you.

However, the more approachable you look, the more likely people are to begin conversation with you. And when you’re more personable, supervisors will notice you more, and as a result, you’ll be able to rise more quickly than your less sociable colleagues.

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9. Be friendly!

When attempting to create office acquaintances, it is crucial not to be overly aggressive or insincere. If you say anything simply for the purpose of saying it, it will come off as insincere, and people will see through you immediately.

Instead, it is essential to be authentic while staying kind and cordial. And if you disagree with anything and are asked for your opinion, express your disagreement! People will accept you for who you are, so don’t be afraid to express your genuine self.

10. Find areas of common struggle

A shared struggle in the workplace is a topic that will undoubtedly unite employees. If you’re collaborating on a project with a coworker and you both encounter the same problems, you’re more likely to support each other and explore potential solutions.

When you’re both on the same side, it’s simpler to connect with people and get the task done more quickly, which naturally forges a strong alliance between you two.

A buddy at work may turn a terrible job into a good one and a good job into a wonderful one. So, it’s time to take the plunge and make your own workplace pals!

Have you ever had difficulty establishing friends at work? In the comments area below, tell us how you overcome this.