The office can be a lonely place. This holds true for in-office employees as much as it does for remote workers and solo pros.
After all, people often have a penchant for drawing a hard line between their personal and professional lives.
“I’m here to work, not to make friends,” you’ll often hear people say around the office.
But taking this stance might be tolling your productivity and enjoyment of your job.
In this article, we’ll dive into the value of community at work, how to create appropriate boundaries, and why having work friends can actually be a great thing.
The Common Reservations About Having Friends at Work
Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the conference room.
You might have reservations about making close connections at work. After all, it could–in theory–pose challenges with favoritism, professionalism, and conflicts of interest.
There’s no doubt that can happen.
But that’s why workplace friendships take some finesse.
These friendships don’t have to follow the same dynamics as your personal ones–and it’s important to approach them accordingly.
But embracing connections and friendships at work opens the door to enhanced engagement and productivity, improved job satisfaction, and better communication and collaboration.
Before we dive into the details, though, let’s take a big step back and look at the science behind social connection.
Social Connection: The Thing That Makes Us Human
Humans are inherently social creatures. Our need for connection and belonging is fundamental, influencing our mental, emotional, and even physical health.
Workplaces have historically been centers for social interaction and community building. In many cases, relationships often extend beyond the office walls.
Studies have shown that social connections can have a profound impact on our health and well-being.
For example, the Harvard Study on Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on human happiness, found that close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives.
These bonds protect us from life’s discontents, help to delay mental and physical decline, and are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes.
While your work relationships can extend beyond the office, they don’t have to–and even having nine-to-five friends can enhance your overall happiness.
The Pitfalls of Having Our Social Lives Shaken
We know the last thing you want to hear about is the pandemic, but its impacts continue to play a key role in our daily lives.
COVID-19 drastically altered the way we work and interact. As millions of us shifted to remote work, the spontaneous social interactions that naturally occur in an office setting were significantly reduced.
But the pandemic didn’t just change the way we work. It also profoundly impacted how we socialize and connect with others.
For many, the abrupt shift to remote work and social distancing measures fundamentally altered daily routines, including the way we interact with colleagues and friends.
One of the most significant changes brought about by the pandemic was the sudden increase in isolation. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, many of us were cut off from regular face-to-face interactions.
This isolation had a notable impact on our mental health and social well-being:
- Loneliness and Mental Health: The lack of social interaction led to increased feelings of loneliness and depression for many. A study by the American Psychological Association found that the pandemic significantly heightened levels of stress and anxiety, largely due to social isolation.
- Brain Chemistry: Social interactions trigger the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine. Without these interactions, our brains missed out on these positive stimuli, affecting our mood and overall mental health.
Many people are still feeling the fallout from these changes and may continue to do so for a long time to come.
Rewiring and Rebuilding: How Office Friends Help You Recalibrate Your Social Compass
Today, the pandemic is thankfully behind us, meaning we can now get back to our instinctive social natures.
If there’s one thing the pandemic taught us, though, it’s that we need those social interactions in our daily lives to feel our best.
Your workplace offers abundant opportunities for social interaction–and all the benefits that come with it.
Mental Health
Having friends at work can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. When you have someone with whom you can share your thoughts, discuss problems, or even just have a laugh, it alleviates the pressures of the workday.
Employees with friends at work report higher job satisfaction and engagement. According to The Harvard Business Review, positive work cultures, which often include strong interpersonal relationships, lead to more productive and satisfied employees.
Physical Health
Social interactions at work can also lead to better physical health. Engaging with colleagues can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and boost the immune system. The simple act of sharing a meal or a walk with a colleague can have significant health benefits.
Emotional Support
Friends at work provide emotional support during challenging times. Whether it’s dealing with a difficult project, navigating office politics, or managing personal issues, having someone who understands your work environment can make a big difference. This support system can enhance your resilience and help you cope with stress more effectively.
Increased Productivity
Workplace friendships can lead to increased productivity and motivation. When you enjoy the company of your colleagues, you’re more likely to be engaged and enthusiastic about your work. A Gallup study found that employees with close friends at work are more engaged, perform better, and are more likely to stay with their company.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Strong interpersonal relationships enhance teamwork and collaboration. When you have a friend in your team, communication becomes smoother, and you’re more likely to share ideas and feedback openly. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and improves overall team performance.
Innovation and Creativity
Diverse friendships at work can lead to innovative ideas and creative solutions. When you interact with colleagues from different backgrounds and with different perspectives, you’re exposed to a variety of viewpoints that can spark creativity and new ways of thinking.
Combatting Loneliness
Solopreneurs often face isolation, as they don’t have the built-in social network that comes with a traditional office. Being part of a community can help combat this loneliness. Regular networking and social interactions can provide a sense of belonging and support. A study published in The Journal of Business Venturing found that solopreneurs who engage in regular networking report higher levels of happiness and success.
Shared Resources
Being part of a community means access to shared resources and support. Solopreneurs can benefit from advice, mentorship, and even collaborative opportunities that arise from being connected to others in their field.
Mentorship and Learning
Community connections provide opportunities for mentorship and continuous learning. Engaging with others can offer valuable insights, new skills, and different perspectives that can enhance your personal and professional growth.
How to Build and Maintain Workplace Friendships
If you’re feeling inspired to become more social at work, we’ve got a few tips for how to establish new friendships in the office or build upon the ones you already have.
Be Approachable
Being open and approachable is key to building workplace friendships. Smile, make eye contact, and show genuine interest in your colleagues’ lives. Small gestures like these can make a big difference in forming connections.
Participate in Social Activities
Take part in work-related social events and activities. Whether it’s a team lunch, a happy hour, or a company outing, these events are great opportunities to get to know your colleagues better and build friendships.
Show Genuine Interest
Show genuine interest in your colleagues’ lives and interests. Ask about their weekend, their hobbies, or their family. This shows that you value them as individuals beyond just their work role.
Use Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces like Launch Workplaces are excellent for meeting new people and building friendships.
At Launch, we put an emphasis on fostering a sense of community and providing opportunities for social interaction, networking, and collaboration.
From member events to social activities and even opportunities for quick chats in our common areas, our spaces are set up to encourage and support social interaction while still providing the privacy you need to get your work done.
Balancing Professionalism and Friendship
We’d be remiss if we didn’t loop back to the start of this article and address that big old elephant in the conference room: understanding how to navigate professional friendships to ensure they’re a positive thing for everyone.
Here are a few tips.
Set Boundaries
It’s important to set boundaries to maintain professionalism. Ensure that your friendships do not interfere with your work responsibilities or create conflicts of interest.
Avoid Cliques
Avoid forming exclusive cliques that can alienate other colleagues. Strive to be inclusive and open to forming connections with a diverse group of people.
Focus on Inclusivity
Encourage an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. This not only enhances the work culture but also fosters a sense of belonging and community.
Workplace friendships offer a ton of benefits for both personal well-being and professional success.
By making an effort to build and maintain these connections, you can enhance your job satisfaction, productivity, and overall happiness.
So, take the time to engage with your colleagues and the community outside your office doors, participate in social activities, and create a supportive and inclusive work environment.
And if you’re in search of a community-oriented flexible workspace that immerses you in a community of like-minded professionals, you’ll find it at Launch. Book a tour today.
