Sometimes it feels like a large part of our socialization comes from our interactions at work. It makes sense because work is where we spend so much of our time and effort. That’s why it’s so important to invest in building strong relationships at work as well as in your personal life. Managers and coworkers are excellent sources of companionship, collaboration, and networking opportunities. Those professional relationships are vital to growing your career and creating a healthier and better work-life balance across the board. Here are three reasons why it’s so important to build strong relationships at work.
Coworker Relationships Build Your Network
Your work friends are likely to be your best advocates and are a key part of growing your professional network. This is, in fact, one of the most valuable pieces of working on a new job. The people you meet and the connections you make can last years beyond the job itself. Expanding your professional network is difficult when you are not working, but in even temporary positions, you are more likely to make many new acquaintances and hopefully leave them all with a good impression. You never know who you meet or how they will influence your career, so make sure to invest in those relationships, make a good impression with the people you work with, and stay in touch as much as possible.
Work Friendships Combat Loneliness
Having good coworker relationships and an excellent work-life balance can do wonders to relieve feelings of loneliness. Many people in all industries, no matter their home situation, struggle with feelings of isolation in their daily lives. Surveys have found that those who were new on a job were much more lonely than those who had been at the job for many years, likely reflecting relationships the employee had built over time. Loneliness can not only be detrimental for personal well-being but harmful to a worker’s productivity. Those who overlook the importance of work friendships or look down on those willing to invest the time or effort in building those relationships inevitably suffer from their lack of trying. Work friendships are wonderful sources of fun and connectivity, where we spend a large portion of our time.
Foster Better Work-Life Balance
Strong work friendships help balance out the work-life balance. It turns out that eating lunch with a friend or grabbing coffee or a drink after work are great levers to pull that will help establish a stronger work-life balance. There is the added benefit that often our work friends can be our greatest teammates or collaborators at work. Don’t over look the value of those water-cooler moments, the inside jokes, or moments of comradery at work. They will make you happier, more productive at work, and more fulfilled in your life.
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