We spend a lot of time at work, and life is better with friends, right? Can you mix work and friendship and shift from simply getting along with colleagues to creating friendships? Is there risk involved?
There are pros and cons to having friends at work, so we’ve laid them out here for you. Often it’s a case of weighing these up and determining what’s best for you in your particular working environment.
The pros
Building a support system:
Having friends at work creates a built-in support system. Whether you're navigating a challenging project or simply need a friendly ear, having colleagues you can call friends can make the office feel safer and more comfortable.
Increased job satisfaction:
A positive work environment, fuelled by friendships, often leads to increased job satisfaction. It's not just about the tasks at hand but also the people you share those tasks with. A happy workplace can significantly impact your overall job experience.
Enhanced collaboration:
Friends at work often communicate more openly and effectively. This camaraderie can lead to enhanced collaboration and brainstorming sessions, bringing fresh ideas to the table and fostering a more dynamic and innovative work environment.
Boosted morale:
A friendly atmosphere contributes to boosted morale. Having friends around can turn a challenging day into a bearable one, and shared successes become more celebratory. It's the collective joy that comes from achieving goals as a team.
Loyalty and long term commitment:
Friendships can create a sense of loyalty, contributing to higher employee retention rates. When you have friends at work, leaving becomes a more complex decision as it involves not just leaving a job but also leaving behind a social circle.
The cons
Blurred boundaries:
One of the pitfalls of workplace friendships is the potential for blurred boundaries. Mixing personal and professional life may lead to challenges in maintaining a clear line between work responsibilities and personal matters.
Office politics and cliques:
Friendships can inadvertently contribute to office politics and cliques. If certain groups form, it may lead to exclusion or a perception of favouritism, potentially creating tension among colleagues.
Impact on objectivity:
Friends may find it challenging to maintain objectivity, especially in situations where they need to provide feedback or evaluate each other's performance. This lack of impartiality can hinder professional growth and development.
Risk of gossip:
Office workplaces often have a reputation for being a breeding ground for gossip. Having friends at work may expose you to unintentional involvement in office rumours, which could have repercussions on your professional image.
Potential for drama:
Friendships, like any relationships, can face ups and downs. If a personal issue arises between friends at work, it could spill over into the professional sphere, creating unnecessary drama and tension which is highly unprofessional.
Finding the right balance
So, how do you strike the right balance when it comes to having friends at work? It's all about awareness. Enjoy the camaraderie, but be mindful of professional boundaries. Often, in office support jobs in London, the best solution is to be friendly, but not necessarily out-of-work friends. That way, you get the best of both worlds.
A friendly working environment is invaluable for your happiness at work and for building your career. If you’d like to find your next job, register today.