Not only a job that you like to do contributes to job satisfaction, but often also the people we work with. Real friendships among colleagues differ significantly from typical work relationships. Since we spend a lot of time in the job, the workplace becomes an important place to establish social networks. Activities such as after-work drinks, team sports or meals together strengthen the cohesion and reduce.Nevertheless, friendships in the workplace need clear rules, especially to prevent them from changing into competing thinking when friends apply for the same position.
How friendships at work increase well -being and productivity
Friendships in the job are often very natural and make everyday work much more pleasant. In a new oneLinkedIn surveymore than a third of employees in Germany give their colleagues as the main reason to stay in the current job. But there are also a few stumbling blocks for friendships at work. How do you deal with it when both are about the sameEffort - or if something that was told in trust later makes the round in the team?
Frollegen: That is why friendships in the job are so important
Friendships among colleagues play a central role in professional life because they can positively influence numerous aspects of daily work. The so -called "Frollegen" - a combination of friend and college - not only create a pleasant working atmosphere, but also promote the performance of the entire team. Gaby Wasensteiner is a career expert atAnd for them, colleagues can definitely be more than purely professional contacts. Close human relationships onbring with it a variety of advantages that are important for both individuals and companies.
- Strengthening the team spirit and cohesion
Friendships in the workplace create a positive dynamic that affects the entire team. They promote harmonious coexistence and strengthen the sense of community, which improves the cooperation sustainably. - Better communication and cooperation
Open conversations are easier among friends. Challenges are addressed faster and ideas can be exchanged more freely. This ensures more efficient work processes and more effective problem solving. - Higher job satisfaction and motivation
Friends in the workplace support each other - be it through mental support in difficult moments or through mutual appreciation in everyday life. This supporting environment increases satisfaction and promotes the, committed and productive. - Together to top performance
Especially in stressful phases, one motivates each other to top performance. Brainstorming sessions that continue to run together show how creative and productive cooperation can be. Friends in the job also offer valuable constructive feedback that is honestly meant and aims to strengthen the other person and develop further. - Well -maintained contacts as a long -term resource
The special thing about friendships in the job is that you do not automatically have to end with a professional separation. Even if the termination of an estimated person is initially painful, new opportunities can result. Such friendships often remain privately and offer a valuable view of professional challenges from outside. In addition, a well -groomed network of former colleagues pays off if you are looking for a new position yourself: If you appreciate each other professionally and humanly, you can make recommendations or open up new opportunities. After all, this trust can be the key to the next professional opportunity.
At work, there are much more than just social connections. They strengthen the working atmosphere, promote individual satisfaction and make a significant contribution to the success of a team and a company.
Try to establish friendships in the job with these tips
From a certain age, it feels as if friendships are no longer so easy to build. In youth they seem to be organic. In adulthood, however, one often shy away from approaching people and asking them if you want to go for a drink. We spend a lot of time in the job and with our colleagues - and these people do not have to "only" remain. With commitment and time, friendships can also arise. However, you have to approach the fellow human beings.
- Put the smartphone away
Smartphones are hard to imagine everyday life away and often a reflex remedy as soon as boredom or a moment of uncertainty occurs. But those who use their cell phones in such situations are eluded by the immediate interaction with the people around them. Such gestures often mean that others also turn their attention to their screens, which means that valuable opportunities for discussions and the making of new contacts remain unused. The so -called "“, In which the present is ignored in favor of the smartphone, not only stands in the way of new friendships, but can also burden existing relationships. It is often perceived as disrespectful and conveys the feeling of being ignored or not important. Anyone who consciously puts the cell phone aside instead creates space for discussions - an essential basis for building friendships. - Discover and promote common interests
Similarities with colleagues can be found best by participating in activities that the company offers or supports. Managers can support this process by creating interest -based groups such as book clubs, cooking groups or film evenings. Studies show that such groups promote cooperation and cohesion more than many other measures. In addition, the design of rooms plays an important role: Community areas, closer together jobs or regular meetings such as team meals or social events create opportunities to strengthen relationships. - Use meetings as an opportunity
Every new encounter in everyday work can be a way to build relationships. Meetings often offer a good opportunity for this. At the beginning or at the end of a meeting, discussions about personal interests or smaller anecdotes can help discovering similarities. It may make sense to plan a few minutes before the appointment or then allow a little buffer time to exchange ideas without time pressure. Real interest and openness are crucial. Open questions that lead to detailed answers promote dialogue as well as sharing details from your own life. By considering meetings not only as a pure working dates but also as social opportunities, the professional network can be expanded sustainably. Studies show that building friendships not only meets a basic human needs, but also benefits companies. Jobs that promote social connections optimally use this potential and benefit from better cooperation and atmosphere.
Friendships in the workplace need clear rules
The following principles should be observed so that friendships in the workplace remain an enrichment and do not cause difficulties:
- Be open and supportive:Show interest in your colleague, celebrate their successes and invite them to joint activities to strengthen the team spirit.
- Recaluate professionalism:Also remain professional in relaxed situations, especially when dealing with superiors.
- Create a respectful atmosphere:Avoid exclusion and gossip and promote respectful coexistence.
- Solve conflicts objectively:Take disagreements directly and constructively to clarify misunderstandings.
- Find a healthy balance:Make sure that private conversations and conviviality do not affect the fulfillment of your professional tasks.
- Avoid the impression of preference:Make sure that friendships do not affect your professional decisions in order to maintain trust in the team.
- Pay attention to confidentiality:Take care of personal information that will be entrusted to you as part of friendship.
- Set clear limits:Define what is appropriate in the work context and stick to it to ensure professionalism.
Friendships in the workplace can increase well -being, reduce loneliness and improve team performance. However, so that they remain a positive force, mutual respect and mindful use of each other are crucial.
How friendships do not become a competition in the workplace
Friendships can bring about challenges - especially when there are feelings of competition. This often happens in performance -oriented environments in which colleagues are also friends and potential competitors. The following approaches help to ensure that friendships are not overshadowed by rivalry:
- Transparent communication:Open discussions about expectations and goals can avoid misunderstandings. If it is clear what role everyone plays in the team, the potential tensions reduce.
- Clear delimitation of roles:Friendships and professional relationships should remain separate. Decisions in the work context should be based on objective criteria and not influenced by personal ties.
- Share success:Instead of comparing each other, friends should celebrate success together in the workplace and put mutual support in the foreground.
- No comparisons:Comparing with colleagues can lead to envy or dissatisfaction. Concentrate on your own strengths and progress.
- Promotion of team spirit:Friendships should help strengthen the team by emphasizing cooperation instead of competition. A common goal can overcome rivalry.
- Professional conflict resolution:If tensions occur, these should be addressed factually and solution -oriented, without personal allegations or blaming.
Friendships work best in the workplace when mutual respect, professional distance and a positive attitude are in the foreground. This is how you remain a source of strength that strengthens both personal well -being and team performance.
