We've often wondered how to find new friends. What if the workplace could be the launching pad for our social life?
The office can be a lonely place. How many times do we sit at our desks, in the middle of a large room, with no one around, feeling like just another cog in the machine?
You might not think making friends is something to worry about when there’s so much else to do—namely work—but you know what? Sometimes, especially for those of us deeply absorbed in our careers, it turns out that friends made at work are often more valuable than “personal” friends made elsewhere, because they are invested in our success!
Socializing at work is always a hot topic of debate.
Some argue it’s better to keep your head down and avoid contact, to keep two areas of life separate; others see social interaction as an integral part of every workday.
This article aims to help those caught between these views find their place in office society, while maintaining some semblance of independence and personal space (or at least we hope so).
In other words: how to find new friends at work? Is it possible to meet new people in the office or company and even make new friends?
How to Break the Ice at Work
We don’t know if work is the right place and context to find new friends or meet new people to add to our circles.
What we do know is that, yes, you might not become best friends with people in your office, but following some of these tips could bring more harmony to the environment and make it fun.
Look for Others Who Are Alone
Spot those who seem friendly and decent but aren’t engaging in big social circles and start a conversation with them. No need to overthink it: simple, friendly chit-chat. One idea is to start from a work task but approach it informally and playfully.
Be friendly when talking to others and try not to be too shy about asking questions (even if it’s awkward at first. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to get to know your colleagues better!)
Ask Colleagues What They Do in Their Free Time
How to find new friends once you’ve started a conversation at work?
Building a friendship takes time, of course, but it’s not hard to find new “adventure” companions when you share free time with others.
So, to find new friends, go beyond the time spent at your desk. You can start with a work topic and then move on to other things to discover what your colleagues enjoy doing outside of work.
Find something that connects you with these new people and share stories from your personal life so they can get an idea of who you are. What do your colleagues like to do in their free time?
Talk About Things You Have in Common
There can be a thousand easy topics to find, like travel, pets, music.
Are you sports fans or athletes? Find out which teams your colleagues support: talking about sports is a great way to meet new people informally and have fun, light conversations.
Another idea to find common interests? See if there’s a club or organization related to work (for networking, team-building activities, etc.) that interests you and join in!
Find Out What the Office Social Event Is
It could be a crowdfunding campaign organized by HR, initiatives to raise awareness on an important topic, or even just a two-day trip out of town with workshops to get to know your team better.
In general, get involved in any company event, like volunteering at an animal shelter on Saturday morning or participating in the annual 5K run/walk for Breast Cancer Awareness Week.
Nothing like that exists? Well, start with the simplest things: invite a colleague to lunch one day. Asking for lunch or coffee breaks is easier than trying to find time during the day when everyone is busy and requires less emotional investment than an evening or weekend.
Does someone at work celebrate a birthday, promotion, or company award? Bring food for your coworkers: show them you care by giving them something special, like a tray of pastries!
Making friends at work is hard, but these tips will help create an atmosphere where people are friendlier. In short, even at the office, there can be a chance to have fun.