How to Build Workplace Friendships and Stay Professional

Having a friend at work boosts job satisfaction for most people. But it’s complicated!

By Jason Walker, Program Director & Associate Professor of Industrial-Organizational and Applied Psychology, Adler University

When employees are happy, engaged and productive, and the organization is meeting their individual needs, they are more likely to meet their full potential. (Shutterstock)

Having meaningful connections in the workplace is essential for personal and organizational success. Most of us form these bonds naturally, as we spend a significant amount of our lifetimes at work.

After leaving college, many people in their 20s move to new cities for career opportunities, where they face the task of creating a brand new social circle from scratch. The workplace becomes an ideal place for people to connect.

Activities like grabbing drinks after work, playing team sports or just sharing meals serve as opportunities to form connections with co-workers. These interactions not only help combat feelings of isolation, but also add a sense of camaraderie and support to the daily work routine.

However, as individuals reach milestones like getting married or starting a family, their priorities in life naturally shift. The enjoyed after work hangouts and casual meetups start taking a backseat to family commitments and home responsibilities.