Finding friends as an adult can be difficult. Some people have clubs or church groups to make connections, but for many, the main place they have to socialize is at work. Often, however, people struggle to build relationships with their coworkers. Perhaps you are one of those people.
Maybe you’re new to your workplace, or perhaps you’ve been working there for a while, but are having trouble connecting with your team. This can be a very isolating feeling. However, you’re not alone. In a 2023 SHRM report, 38% of surveyed workers reported that they feel lonely at work. What can be done to overcome the widespread issue of loneliness in the workplace?
Here are six ways to combat loneliness and build workplace friendships.
1. Open up.
Often, when people feel alone, they become discouraged, which causes them to close themselves off from interaction. Isolation is the last thing you want. Instead, open yourself up!
If you work in an office, open up your door when possible to create an inviting environment. When someone speaks to you, nod to show them you’re listening, and answer them enthusiastically. Look others in the eye and uncross your arms.
These changes are subtle, but they make a significant difference in helping you feel more connected with others.
2. Ask for help and input.
Sometimes, asking for advice, help or an opinion on a work-related topic can spark up a conversation. Start small by asking a coworker a quick, easy question, like, “Does this email sound right?” or “What do you think of this design I made?” Doing so can fuel an interaction and show them that you value their opinion.
Asking for others’ input also opens the opportunity for them to come to you with questions. What started as a simple question can lead to conversations and possibly, build workplace friendships.
3. Find common interests.
Chances are, if you are in the same career as someone, you probably enjoy some similar interests, too. Combat loneliness at work by sparking up conversations about shared interests. If you hear your coworker talking about something that interests you, don’t shy away from telling them you’re interested. Knowing that you share their love for something can brighten their day and spark a conversation that leads to a relationship.
There are plenty of subtle ways to discover shared interests with your coworkers, like drinking out of a mug with your favorite sports team’s logo or putting a decoration with a quote from your favorite TV show on your desk. This encourages others to approach you about your interests.
4. Don’t spend your breaks alone.
When you’re on your breaks or have downtime, spend time where others are gathered, not by yourself. Put down your phone or any other distraction. It may feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you don’t know what to say or do, but removing distractions helps you to be attentive to the people around you and to look approachable. When you’re fully present with others, you will start to feel more connected.
5. Share with others.
Showing kindness to those around you creates a sense of community that combats loneliness and can build workplace friendships. One of the best ways to extend kindness to others is to share with them. Bring a dessert or snack to share with your team at lunch. Offering something new for your coworkers to try is a great way to connect and start a conversation. You can also share your supplies and resources, which shows that you are friendly, helpful and reliable.
6. Attend work events.
If you are struggling to connect with people at work, it may be because you are too busy working to interact with each other casually. Make a point to attend work gatherings and holiday parties, or spend time with your coworkers outside of work when possible. This is where people let their guard down, talk about their lives and allow their personality to shine, which helps you get to know them better and builds a sense of community.
Finding friends in adulthood is difficult, especially in a professional environment. Remember, you’re not the only one who feels lonely, even in your workplace. Often, the best way to combat loneliness is to seek out someone else who feels the way you do and be a friend to them. As you reach out to others who are experiencing loneliness, you’ll help create a sense of community, build workplace friendships, and make your workplace a more inviting and unified environment.