Friendships at work: Career Plus? Or risk?

Most people don't dread Mondays because they hate their work. They detest Mondays because of the people they have to work with.

Somewhere along the way, we bought into the idea that friendships at work are either a distraction or a professional liability. That if we get too close, we'll lose our edge. That keeping things "strictly business" is the path to success.

But science (and common sense) says otherwise.

• Workplace friendships don’t just make Mondays suck less.
• They build trust, fuel collaboration, and create the kind of psychological safety that actually helps people perform better.

And yet, navigating these friendships isn’t always straightforward.

This episode is about busting myths, asking hard questions, and figuring out how to cultivate friendships that enhance—not derail—your career. Because let’s be real: You spend more time with your colleagues than your own family. If that time is spent in isolation, something is broken.

If you’ve ever felt awkward about workplace friendships, this episode is for you. And if you think you don’t need them, well… maybe it's time to rethink that.

#WorkplaceFriendships #PsychologicalSafety #Leadership

Oh! don't have an hour to listen to the whole episode?

The recap starts at 50min 24sec. You're welcome!

SHOW NOTES:

[00:01:40] Kickstarting Workplace Connections: The Power of Relationships

• Nicole introduces her guest, a seasoned corporate professional turned psychotherapist, who shares her enthusiasm for discussing the benefits of cultivating meaningful relationships at work. "First relations, then know-how."

[00:02:42] Unlocking Productivity: Why Work Friendships Matter

• Discover how positive relationships at work can enhance productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being and why fostering good relationships is crucial for success in any professional setting.

[00:04:42] Maximizing Your Work Hours: Turning Colleagues into Friends

• Explore the significance of the time spent at work and how it can be an opportunity to build lasting friendships.

[00:08:26] Navigating Work Friendships: The Art of Balancing Professionalism

• Learn how to differentiate between work friends and personal friends, and how these relationships can evolve over time.
• Natalia and Nicole discuss the importance of being mindful about what you share with work colleagues and understanding the specific setting of work relationships.

[00:12:28] The Double-Edged Sword: Mixing Personal and Professional Lives

• Discover the potential risks and rewards of working with friends and the importance of clear communication and boundaries.

[00:19:21] Building a Safe Space: The Key to Team Success

• Natalia discusses the importance of building psychological safety in teams and how it can be achieved through regular check-ins and understanding team dynamics.

[00:26:47] Discover Your Strengths: The Gallup Test

• Get an in-depth explanation of the Gallup test and how it focuses on individuals' talents rather than weaknesses.

[00:30:50] Busting Myths: The Truth About Workplace Friendships

• Nicole and Natalia debunk several myths about friendships at work

[00:35:57] Spotting Red Flags: Healthy vs. Unhealthy Workplace Friendships

• Gain insights on how to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy workplace friendships.

[00:42:59] Overcoming Friendship Challenges: Tips for Building Connections

• Learn how to overcome struggles in making friends at work, such as initiating conversations and asking personal questions.

[00:47:59] Wrapping Up: The Future of Workplace Friendships

• Nicole summarizes the key points discussed in the episode and encourages listeners to apply the insights to their own workplace relationships.