Humans are social by nature. No matter where we go, we crave human interaction. Even at work, you ask? Yes, having work friends is very important for your mental health. If you are wondering if work friends are really a thing, or if you are of the view that you don’t need to like the people you work with, let us change your perspective. Keep reading to find out why work friends are important and how to make them.
work friends so important
After roti, kapda aur makaan, a sense of belonging is one of the most essential human needs. And since most of us spend a significant part of our day and life at work, it becomes almost essential for us to work in a healthy environment. A healthy environment is not just one where we feel physically safe but also one where we are mentally stimulated.
Having social support at work will not only increase job satisfaction because you will be happier, content, and less stressed, but will also help you in the long run due to a better work-life balance. Apart from the above-mentioned reasons, keep reading to know 3 more benefits of having friends at work we are sure you didn’t know about.
Better Professional Growth
When you become friends with your colleagues you expose yourself to a world of knowledge and experience that you would not have otherwise known about. Work friends help you gain more knowledge and expertise, as well as offer valuable suggestions and highlight areas of potential improvement together.
Conflict arises in all workplaces, but if you have a strong support group at work, it becomes easier to engage in open dialogue to resolve those conflicts. When work-related disagreements arise between friends, they are more likely to effectively resolve or reach common ground with collaboration.
Increased Networking Opportunities
Networking is one of the most important parts of anyone’s professional growth, whether within or outside an organization. When you become friends with your coworkers, you’re more likely to be introduced to professionals who can provide referrals and other important connections to broaden your network.
When you spend an average of 8 hours every day with the same people, making acquaintances is a fairly easy task, but that’s not all you want! To become friends or build a good relationship with your coworkers, you have to make an extra effort. By greeting them daily, having lunch with them, listening and paying attention to them, and helping them when they need it, you can build a strong bond with your coworkers over time. While we understand that it’s hard to make friends as an adult, with a little patience, you can easily create a support system for yourself that will greatly increase your job satisfaction.