How to Make Friends in the Workplace: The CEO’s Role in Fostering a Friendly and Collaborative Workplace Culture

A recent study conducted by GWFM explores the influence of CEOs in establishing a friendly corporate culture in light of the prevalent work-from-anywhere or hybrid workplace models adopted by numerous global companies.

Even at a company focused on connecting people, forging real relationships in the workplace takes effort, Hinge CEO Justin McLeod said, regarding the practice. We assume that friendships at work are “a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have”, said Laurie Santos, the psychology professor behind Yale University’s well-known class The Science of Well-Being’ class. But “maybe one of the reasons we’re all so disengaged at work, or why ‘quiet quitting’ seems so appealing, is that we’re actively not investing in the thing that might matter the most for our happiness at work, which is our connection with other people,” she said.

Bring your whole self to work

As much as people crave relationships, many lack strong interpersonal skills, said Daniel Boscaljon, founder of the Healthy Relationship Academy. which helps organisations build better workplaces. “When you meet somebody with good relationship skills, a lot of times it’s like magic,” Boscaljon says. “People open up, they’ll start to talk, they’ll feel comfortable.

Then, sometimes, they’ll have kind of a vulnerability hangover,’ where they’re like, ‘I was too open there. What just happened?’ People are so unused to it.

“One key, he says, is to work on one’s own well-being. “You can’t have a work personality and a home personality,” he says. “Who you are as a whole person shows up in every place that you’re in.” Another strategy that Michael Bungay Stanier, author of How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, recommends is communicating

One of the reasons why people are so disengaged at work is because they’re not investing in what matters most for their happiness at the workplace-a connection with others

Your personal workstyle. “We’ve all got our small little habits and preferences and we assume what’s normal for us is normal for everyone,” he said. Raising issues beforehand helps you “avoid making small rips in the fabric of a relationship” that keep people from becoming friends, he said.

Top-down approach

Employers can also help to ease workplace loneliness. For example, they might:

1. Rethink physical spaces with relationships in mind. Some companies are adding staircases, both to help people get more steps and to encourage the ‘casual collisions’ that can lead to good relationships. Others are trying to transform green rooftops- created to be environmentally friendly – into gathering spaces.
2. Create groups and events to help employees find friends who share their interests. It could be something goofy, like an ice cream social for dog lovers where participants learn how to make healthy ice cream for their pets.

How to Make Friends in the Workplace

1. Be Approachable and Friendly:
   • Smile, greet your colleagues, and show a positive attitude. Being approachable makes others more comfortable interacting with you.
2. Engage in Small Talk:
   • Start with casual conversations about non-work-related topics like hobbies, weekend plans, or mutual interests. This helps build rapport and creates a foundation for deeper connections.
3. Participate in Team Activities:
   • Join team lunches, after-work gatherings, or office events. Participating in these activities helps you bond with colleagues outside the usual work setting.
4. Offer Help and Support:
   • Be supportive and offer help when colleagues need it. Whether it’s work-related assistance or just listening to their concerns, showing you care builds trust and friendship.
5. Be Inclusive:
   • Include others in conversations and activities. Inviting colleagues to join you for lunch or a coffee break fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
6. Find Common Interests:
   • Discover shared interests with your colleagues, whether it’s a sport, a hobby, or a TV show. This gives you something to talk about and bond over.
7. Show Appreciation:
   • Recognize and appreciate the contributions of your colleagues. Simple acts of gratitude, like saying thank you or acknowledging someone’s hard work, strengthen relationships.
8. Be Authentic:
   • Be yourself and be genuine in your interactions. Authenticity attracts others and helps build meaningful, lasting friendships.

How Friendships Contribute to a Great Workplace Culture

• Enhanced Collaboration:
  • Friends are more likely to collaborate effectively, leading to better teamwork and productivity. A culture of collaboration drives innovation and success.
• Improved Morale and Job Satisfaction:
  • Having friends at work makes the workplace more enjoyable, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
• Better Communication:
  • Friendships improve communication, making it easier to share ideas, give feedback, and resolve conflicts.
• Increased Loyalty and Commitment:
  • Employees who have strong social ties at work are more loyal to the company and committed to its success.
• Positive Work Environment:
  • A workplace where friendships thrive tends to have a positive, supportive atmosphere, reducing stress and increasing overall well-being.

The CEO’s Role in Fostering a Friendly and Collaborative Workplace Culture

1. Lead by Example:
   • The CEO should model the behavior they want to see. By being approachable, engaging in conversations with employees at all levels, and participating in team activities, the CEO sets a tone of inclusivity and approachability.
2. Promote a Culture of Inclusion:
   • Encourage a culture where diversity is valued and everyone feels included. This can be done through diversity and inclusion initiatives, as well as by promoting teamwork and collaboration across departments.
3. Create Opportunities for Social Interaction:
   • Organize events, such as team-building activities, company outings, or informal gatherings, that encourage employees to interact and build relationships outside of their work responsibilities.
4. Support Employee-Led Initiatives:
   • Encourage and support employee-led groups or clubs based on shared interests, such as sports teams, book clubs, or volunteer groups. These initiatives provide additional opportunities for employees to connect.
5. Recognize and Reward Teamwork:
   • Publicly recognize and reward teams that work well together, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and the value of interpersonal relationships.
6. Encourage Open Communication:
   • Foster an open-door policy and ensure that communication channels are clear and accessible. When employees feel they can speak openly, it promotes trust and transparency.
7. Provide Professional Development:
   • Offer training and development programs that include team dynamics and interpersonal skills. This not only helps employees grow professionally but also strengthens their ability to form effective working relationships.
8. Monitor and Address Toxic Behavior:
   • Be vigilant about addressing negative behaviors that can undermine workplace relationships, such as bullying, gossip, or exclusion. Ensuring a positive, respectful environment is critical to maintaining a healthy culture.

By taking these steps, the CEO can play a crucial role in shaping a workplace where friendships flourish, leading to a strong, collaborative, and positive organizational culture.

Source: GWFM Research & Study