The secret ingredient to a fulfilling career
César Gamio
Founder & Managing Director of Dharma Centre for Wellbeing | International Speaker
I was recently in New York City for work, and I had the chance to meet a colleague of mine, in-person for the first time.
Although I knew it would be a fun encounter, I did not realise how uplifting our time together would be. Spending some time with both her and our mutual friend (whom I had met online as well) reminded me of the benefits of having good friends at work.
On average, we spend about 36 years of our lives engaging in some role, occupation or profession. When we also take into account around 50% of our waking time is spent working, I think we can all agree a substantial amount of our lives are lived at work, and around our work colleagues. This is why it is incredibly beneficial, at all levels, to form true friendships at work.
Having good friends at work makes the work environment more enjoyable, contributing to a positive and motivating atmosphere, which can make you look forward to coming to work and feel like you are part of a team that truly cares.
With friends, you can collaborate more effectively, share ideas freely, provide constructive feedback, and a supportive friend can motivate you to push through challenging tasks and achieve your goals. Because friends are more likely to communicate openly and honestly, this can lead to better teamwork and problem-solving as well.
Don’t forget that friends can potentially act as mentors also, providing guidance, advice, and encouragement for your personal and professional growth.
So, how can you cultivate more friendships at work?
Be open and approachable: You can start by smiling, greeting colleagues, and showing genuine interest in getting to know them.
Participate in social activities: Join team lunches, after-work gatherings, and company events.
Offer help and support: Be willing to lend a hand and offer support to your colleagues.
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Share personal stories: Share appropriate personal stories and experiences to build rapport and trust.
Respect boundaries: While forming friendships, be mindful of professional boundaries and respect others’ space and privacy.
Always remember that having a good friend at work can significantly enhance your work experience, productivity, and overall wellbeing, making the workplace a more enjoyable and fulfilling environment for you.
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Principal Customer Success Manager, Strategic Accounts
5moWho's that nice NYC friend?!
Business Development I M&A I Private Equity I Ex-Big 4 | Founder @ PTSD Corner –empowering employees with PTSD in Corporate Spaces
5mo100%! I just realised that some of my best friendships have started in the workplace!