Graphic by Henry Barraclough
Struggling to make new friends at work? Recently started a new job and haven’t clicked with anyone yet? Or perhaps your old work buddy left and you find yourself in need of a new colleague for your shift. Here are some tips and tricks to help you create a new work family!
For light-hearted work relationships, it’s best not to get bogged down by serious topics. This includes money-related discussions, especially one another’s salaries. This makes for a negative, materialistic work environment. In fact, if any of your coworkers bring up their pay, best to stop talking to them all together. Remember: collective bargaining is a form of harassment (according to company policy). Tell your supervisor about the incident so a productive workplace can be maintained.
By showing up to all management meetings, you can converse with your fellow workers in a company-approved space. You may even learn something interesting in the meeting that you and your new friend can bond over! For example, you can discuss how interesting and important the company’s data privacy is.
Remember that your coworkers are just that: coworkers. If your relationship does not further the company and help you feel more productive, then it’s only dragging you down. Understand that human unity is fleeting and that maintaining a healthy distance from your coworkers protects you from the worst. In fact, avoid any form of unity, union, or any similarly silly delusions. We may all be one big family, but sometimes people leave that family….
