The Beatles aren’t the only ones who get by with a little help from their friends. Generations later, Millennials have upped the ante on workplace friendships, tearing down boundaries and opening up lines of communication.
And this is a good thing.
A recent LinkedIn study showed that Millennials are not afraid to get personal and make real connections at work.
Though some may take the workplace bonding a bit far (a cubicle probably isn’t the best place for that college spring break story), a lot of value can come from building real relationships at work.
My personal and professional lives are so much better because of the friendships I developed along the way. Here’s how:
Improved Engagement
So much of our time is spent at work. For most of us, more hours are spent at the office than with our families. Spending so much time in the office can make it hard not to get burnt out sometimes.
Friends help you look forward to coming into work every day. They keep you engaged and excited about what you are doing.
I’ve even sent texts to co-workers when I was on vacation to see how a particular project turned out, a project I wasn’t even a part of. Sure, I could have waited until I got back, but caring about my friends also made me care about their work.
Solid Advice
Navigating through a career can be tricky, especially when you’re young and unsure. Having trusted colleagues to ask for advice can be a huge career asset.
Think about it: After working for just one year, you know so much more than you did the first day. Every year that passes adds to your knowledge and experience. Your work friends are going through similar journeys, equipping them with tons of perspective that you can benefit from.
I’ve gone to my work friends for advice on conferences to attend, groups to join and classes to take. If you are considering a certification program or online degree, your colleagues may be able to fill you in on their experiences.
Work friendships shouldn’t have an age limit, either. Having work friends who are younger or older than you can be even more rewarding. My Gen X and Baby Boomer work friends have given me some of the most thoughtful and insightful career advice. And some great music recommendations, too!
Reduced Stress
When work piles up, deadlines loom and stress builds, work friends can be a major asset. Just having someone in your corner can make it a lot easier to deal when things get tough.
Venting about frustrations to a work friend can let you get rid of the anger and move on without doing something that you’ll regret later.
My work friends have the fantastic ability to make me laugh when I’m feeling stressed out. It breaks the tension and helps me get back to work with a smile on my face.
Continued Opportunities
Today’s colleague could be tomorrow’s boss. As people move up within an organization or leave for new opportunities, you want them to want to work with you again. Being amazing at what you do is important, but your personality is as well.
Your work friends can lead you to many opportunities. Having strong work relationships has led me to job offers, freelance work and fun side projects. I have a core group of past and present co-workers who have helped me become an even better version of myself.
So keep bonding, Millennials, and bring your older colleagues along for the ride.
Erin Palmer is a writer and editor who is eternally grateful for her work friends throughout the years. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and websites, including The Chicago Tribune and The Huffington Post.
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