Having a Best Friend at Work Equals a Happier Workplace

The Harvard Business Review reports that “people who have a “best friend at work” are not only more likely to be happier and healthier, they are also seven times as likely to be engaged in their job. What’s more, employees who report having friends at work have higher levels of productivity, retention, and job satisfaction.”

For years the Gallup Organization Q 12 Index has touted that more fully engaged employees have a best friend at work. In the best workplaces, employers recognize that people want to forge quality relationships with their coworkers, and that company allegiance can be built from such relationships. The picture of the two ladies in mechanics uniforms are of me (L) and one of my best friends at work, Judy, when we worked at Southwest Airlines. We were a team for many years and became fast friends. I always enjoyed working with her and felt she had my back as I had hers.

 

Whether I was a boss or peer, I loved making friends at work and tended to keep them long after I left. I looked for opportunities to have fun with my friends and coworkers such as this picture taken during a Halloween celebration. Many of us went onto other companies and yet we remain close. There isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t call one of my former coworkers and friends asking for advice and they are only too happy to give it. In fact two of my dearest friends became business associates and we still work together on consulting projects.

 

So, how do you get a best friend a work? Here are some tips:

• Have Curiosity Conversations. When you meet someone, instead of telling people all about you, why not ask questions that you would like to know about them?  You’d be amazed how much more you’ll learn about them in a few minutes of conversation when you are asking the questions. Start with topics like sports, family, favorite movies and TV shows.

 

• Keep most conversations positive. Instead of immediately sharing all the things you don’t like, share those you do, at least until the friendship has evolved. Shasta Nelson, author of “Friendships Don’t Just Happen” recommends that as a general rule of thumb, for every negative discussion you have, have another five positive ones.

 

• According to Ron Friedman, author of “The Best Places to Work”, it’s effective to open up about non-work topics. Instead of complaining about your boss or a difficult project, flip the conversation to your plans for the weekend as an example.

 

• Start a group at work around something that you have an interest in. Reading, chess, gaming, writing, pet ownership or hiking… it’s a great way to meet others who have similar interests.

 

• Ask someone you admire to be your mentor.  Mentors often become long- term friends.

 

With the amount of time you spend at work, it will be worth your while to find a best friend at work. It will make you feel more fulfilled, your work will be more fun and you will be happier.

Lorraine Grubbs is an author, speaker and consultant on the topic of building Happy Workplaces.  To read more about her work go to www.lorrainegrubbs.com