Do you have a best friend at work? If not, you may be missing out on some major career growth opportunities! Having a best friend means having someone to confide in, collaborate with, and motivate you – all of which are essential for career growth.

Moreover, there are various instances when a person feels low and unmotivated at work. But if you have a best friend by your side, they can help you get through these tough times and come out stronger than ever. BFF at work is like career insurance. That too for free!

So, if you’re searching for ways to boost your career growth, ensure you have a best friend at work.

How a Best Friend at Work Makes a Difference?

If you’re wondering how having a best friend at the workplace can make such a big difference, here are some ways:

Confide in them

When you have a best friend at work, you have someone you can confide in. This is important because it lets you express your feelings and frustrations without worrying about being judged. Furthermore, it also allows you to get things off your chest so that you can focus on your work with a clear mind. Therefore, whenever you feel that you’re unable to manage stress at work, approach your BFF.

Increased job satisfaction

In 2018, Gallup created a poll and found that those who have a best friend at work are twice as likely to be engaged in their jobs. Further, they’re better at engaging customers, produce higher-quality work, have a greater sense of well-being, and are less likely to get injured on the job. This means that people who have their friends by their side are more satisfied with the work they do. Also, such employees put in more effort as they feel happy and content.

A sense of belongingness

You feel a sense of belonging when you have a best friend at the office. This is because you know there’s someone who understands you and will help you out, no matter what. Furthermore, this sense of belongingness can lead to increased career pride and productivity. There are times when you won’t feel like coming to the office. It’s a weird feeling, but at such times, just thinking about your BFF can bring a smile to your face and change your mood. You’ll feel more inclined to come to the office and give your best.

Improved collaboration

When you have a best friend at work, you have someone you can trust and rely on. This is important because it leads to improved collaboration. If you’re working on a project together, you’ll be able to openly share ideas and provide constructive feedback without fear of hurting each other’s feelings. Furthermore, this trust will allow you to delegate tasks more easily, knowing they’ll be done properly. Ultimately, this will lead to better work quality and efficiency.

Also, if you work in a coworking space, making friends will be crucial. Besides, a coworking space means increased productivity because people join from different companies to work. They can help you learn different skills and their valuable tips can come in handy while working.

A best friend at work helps achieve challenging tasks

If you’re working on a challenging task, it can be helpful to have a best friend by your side. This is because they can provide moral support and encourage you to keep going. They can also offer helpful suggestions or advice when you’re feeling stuck. Moreover, having someone to celebrate your successes with will make the entire experience more enjoyable and rewarding.

How to Make Friends at Work?

Making friends at work can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Be yourself

When trying to make friends at work, it’s important to be yourself. This means being friendly, approachable, and genuine. Don’t try to be someone you’re not just to impress others.

Make an effort

Making friends takes effort. You can’t just sit back and wait for someone to come up to you. You might have to make the first move by saying hello, asking questions, and being interested in others.

Join a group or club

One of the best ways to make friends at work is to join a group or club. This will allow you to meet people with similar interests and build relationships more easily. Furthermore, it’s also a great way to get involved in the company and learn new things.

Attend social events

Another great way to make a best friend at work is to attend social events. This includes company parties, happy hours, and other gatherings. These events provide the perfect opportunity to chat with coworkers and get to know them better.

Offer coffee or lunch

A simple way to befriend someone is to offer coffee or lunch. This shows that you’re interested in getting to know them better. Plus, it’s a great way to bond over common interests and experiences.

What Not to Do in Pursuit of  Befriending Someone at Work?

There are also some things you should avoid doing if you want to make a best friend at work. These include:

Don’t be fake

When trying to make friends at work, it’s important to be genuine. This means being yourself and not putting on a show. Otherwise, people will see right through you and won’t be interested in being your friend.

Don’t gossip

Gossiping is one of the quickest ways to lose friends at work. Not only is it hurtful, but it can also damage your reputation. If you want to make friends, focus on positive things instead of gossiping about others.

Don’t be friends with everyone

Just because you work with someone doesn’t mean you need to be friends with them. It’s okay to be selective and only befriend those who you genuinely like and get along with.

Avoid being too personal

Avoid being too personal when you first become friends with someone at work. This means refraining from sharing too much information about your personal life or problems. You don’t want to come across as needy or burden them with your issues.

Conclusion

While having a best friend at work might seem like a trivial matter, research has shown that it can actually boost your career growth. So if you’re looking for ways to take your career to the next level, consider finding yourself a best friend at work. By building strong relationships with your colleagues, you may be able to increase your productivity and achieve more in less time. What are you waiting for? Start befriending your co-workers today!