Strategies for Making Friends Outside of Work

It’s convenient to hang out with your coworkers, but you may also want to make friends outside of work. However, that’s more easily said than done for many adults.

The longer you’re out of school, the more you may feel like you have too many responsibilities and too little time to be making new friends. You may also be more selective than when you were younger.

Still, the extra effort is worth it. Otherwise, you could wind up feeling isolated if you change jobs and your office buddies drift away.

You may also be missing out on personal connections that could be more meaningful than sharing the same employer.

The friendships you make later in life could even be more fulfilling than earlier ties if you’ve gained self-knowledge and are more open to sharing.

Enrich your life by trying these strategies for developing relationships outside the office.

Online Strategies for Making Friends Outside Of Work:

1. Proceed gradually.

Just like dating online, looking for digital friends can be successful as long as you’re careful and realistic. Spend time getting to know each other. Meet in public places if you decide to make contact in person.

2. Try Meetup.

New apps for making friends are popping up regularly, but Meetup is still one of the most effective. Create an account, list your interests, and join groups where you’ll be surrounded by like-minded souls.

3. Go Next Door.

Proximity is a main ingredient for many relationships, so it’s strategic to search nearby. Next Door is a platform where you can chat with your neighbors and find out about local happenings.

4. Use hashtags.

If you have a passion for French cooking or paddle boarding, you might find companions by discussing your interests online. Using hashtags can help you reach others who are searching for the same topics.

Offline Strategies for Making Friends Outside Of Work:

1. Build your confidence.

Of course, face-to-face communications create a stronger basis for relationships. Motivate yourself to take risks and reach out. Focus on your strengths and positive qualities. Remember that others are looking for friends too.

2. Spread the word.

Let others know that you want to expand your social circle. Your current friends and family may be able to introduce you to their contacts or make other suggestions geared toward your interests and personality.

3. Follow up.

How many times have you traded phone numbers with an interesting acquaintance without taking the next step? Set a goal to invite 2 or 3 new contacts out for lunch or coffee each month.

4. Walk around.

You discover more opportunities for conversation when you leave your car behind. Stroll around your neighborhood or ride your bike. Walking a dog is a great icebreaker.

5. Take classes.

Sign up for courses at a local university or community center. You’ll have something in common with the other students and you’ll see them regularly.

6. Throw parties.

Extend your hospitality. Host a backyard barbecue and encourage guests to bring their friends. Volunteer for a committee to organize a block party or house concert.

7. Drink coffee.

Find a coffee shop with an atmosphere you like. Become a regular and visit at the same time each day.

8. Play sports.

Physical activity promotes bonding too. Research amateur sports leagues in your area or join a gym.

9. Practice spirituality.

Your church or other spiritual centers can help you find a community based on your values and beliefs. Check the calendar for discussion groups, social activities, and volunteer events.

Making friends outside of the office can be challenging, but the rewards are great.

Build a secure social network that will survive job changes and contribute to your health and happiness.

Strategies for Managing Friendships at Work

When you consider the amount of time you spend with your work colleagues, it's natural that many of your deepest friendships may develop there.

Office friendships make your work hours more pleasant and productive as long as you address the built in complexities of money and power.

Try these strategies for balancing the personal and professional aspects.

Benefits of Friendships at Work

1. Enjoy greater job satisfaction.

Friendships at work increase employee satisfaction by almost 50, according to surveys by The Gallup Organization. You're bound to feel better when you like and trust the people you work with.

2. Make it easier to resolve conflicts.

Having a better understanding of each other can help prevent many conflicts. Even when there are disagreements, you're more likely to seek win-win solutions when colleagues care about each other's welfare.

3. Boost productivity.

Office friendships are good for business too. Stronger teams develop and employees are motivated to contribute more.

Strategies for Friendships at Work

1. Establish boundaries at work.

Social media has put a spotlight on the consequences to your career of revealing too much personal information.

It's a relief to just be yourself, but keep it in perspective. You may want to keep your dating life and college pranks private.

2. Remain objective.

Respect your friends by following the rules and procedures without expecting special treatment.

This is especially important if you're close to your supervisor. Maintain the quality of your work by sharing unbiased feedback with each other.

3. Limit socializing.

Monitor yourself to ensure that any gossip remains good natured and harmless. Watch how you spend your days.

By getting your work done in a timely manner, you can help reassure your employer who may be concerned that being buddies can lead to slacking off.

4. Be supportive.

Office alliances serve as an opportunity to help each other do well.

Be there for each other to relieve stress, talk things over and lend a hand during busy periods.

5. Reach out to others.

Protect workplace morale by avoiding cliques. Strive for an inclusive workplace.

Invite others along when you and your pals go to lunch. Mingle with others at birthday parties and holiday events.

Additional Suggestions

1. Recognize the extent of your connection.

Even if you feel very close to a colleague you see every day, that connection may still be limited to the context of work.

When one of you changes jobs or even departments, the bond may soon fade. Expect such relationships to fluctuate.

2. Maintain relationships and support networks outside of the office.

There's a good reason why family and friends outside of the office are the most important relationships for most people.

These connections are usually more enduring because they're based on personal qualities. They also provide balance even when your career is genuinely rewarding.

3. Recommend friends for open positions.

Most employers appreciate recommendations from current employees to find candidates for vacancies.

If there are former colleagues you enjoyed working with, it's a great way to get back together.

If you're considering recruiting a personal friend, you may need to evaluate how having the same employer could affect your relationship.

4. Start your own company together.

Many people are leaving traditional jobs to start their own ventures. If you have a best friend at the office, they may make an ideal partner.

After all, you know you enjoy working together and it's even better if they have a complementary background and skills.

Building strong social connections at work can make you happier and more productive.

Go ahead and befriend your colleagues to create a supportive atmosphere while respecting professional boundaries.

Did you find this post fun, informative and useful? If so, please share it with others!

If you have a comment, question or suggestion, please leave a comment below!

Cheers, Helene Malmsio


Related Reading: How To Build Friendships And Maintain Them




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