The co-worker relationship: pro’s and con’s

Let’s face it if we aren’t at school taking notes, stressing out, socializing then we are spending a lot of time at work paying for our alcohol habit on the weekend among other things.

But while we are at work, on our down time if there is any, we tend to do some socializing there as well; we’re only human after all. The real question is, is this a good idea? Should we even have friends at work? Is the co-worker friendship damaging or beneficial?

Let’s look at all the bad things that can happen first. Too much socializing can cause one or both to not get their work done, further leading to write-ups or the unspeakable termination.

Next there are these evil things called “work cliques,” for those who are unaware of what they are, it is when there are various groups of people who have become close friends and tend to alienate other groups of people who have not formed their particular clique.

Cliques can cause a negative work environment for those who are not in one and the pressure to be in one can be excruciating if one really does want to fit in. It’s almost like resorting back to high school days in a sense.

But then there are some really good things that can come out of a co-worker relationship.

Developing friends at work can make the workplace enjoyable and exciting. I mean c’mon, how horrible would it be to go to work everyday and not know anyone, hate everyone there and just over all be a miserable mess for eight hours? Certainly not me.

Life is all about building relationships and that definitely does not exclude work. We are there to do a job but to also network yourself and show others that you aren’t a total grouch and are fun to be around.

Now that doesn’t mean spilling your entire life story and telling everyone at work your most personal intimate issues and details, like some “chatty Kathy’s” tend to do, but sharing the facts and keeping conversation light and professional is always the smartest thing to do.

With all the things above considered having co-workers as friends is really just another great way to open yourself up to someone and creating memories.