Making Friends - Socializing with Co-Workers at Work

What is a friend? Someone who you like, and who shows that they like you as well.  Someone who shows that they want to hang out with you just as much as you want to hang out with them.  Friends enjoy each other’s company. Friends share information by talking to each other.  Friends socialize with each other. Friends are nice to each other and treat each other with respect.

Sometimes people become friends while working together on the job.  A friend is someone who you like, and who likes you as well.  A friend is someone who shows that they want to hang out with you just as much as you want to hang out with them. 

When you are friends, you enjoy each other’s company, and you share information by talking to each other.  In other words, when two people are friends, they socialize with each other.

Most work places support friendship among co-workers because it is nice when people get along and work well together.  People who get along with each other are often cooperative and help each other out, and this benefits the work place.  However, there are times when friendships can get in the way of you doing your work. 

When socializing with co-workers at work, be careful of:

• Socializing too much on the job. You may not get your work done if you are always chatting with your friends.  If you’re not getting your work done, your supervisor will not be happy.

• Getting in disagreements. The workplace could become uncomfortable if you are on bad terms with a co-worker or friend. 

• In order to get your work done and socialize with your co-workers, spend time with them during your breaks.  This includes a scheduled lunch break if you have one at your job.

  Misunderstandings.  Sometimes it can be hard to figure out friendships.  You might consider someone a close friend, whereas they may have a different opinion- they see you as someone they just know at work.  Misunderstandings happen, and feelings can sometimes get hurt, which can make the work place uncomfortable.
  
  Note: Be mindful of what you say and do in friendships with co-workers to avoid unpleasant work situations.