We spend about 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime. In the debate about socializing with coworkers, there are extremes—some view workplace friendships as unnecessary, while others primarily socialize within their work circle. Both these approaches have their limitations. While it’s beneficial to network (and be friendly) with your colleagues, having a large circle of friends at work can complicate professional dynamics due to potential conflicts of interest and the challenge of maintaining numerous deep connections. This is why it’s important to prioritize quality over quantity in a work friendship context.
A focused approach to workplace relationships, like having a “work bestie,” can offer a unique blend of support and understanding, contributing positively to one’s career and overall job satisfaction. Here are two ways having a close confidant at the workplace doesn’t just make a difficult workday tolerable, but actively enhances your professional growth.
1. They Can Help You Rise Above Your Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a “fraud,” is common in the workplace. A 2019 review found that it affects a wide range of individuals, from adolescents to late-stage professionals, and is often comorbid with depression and anxiety. Feeling like you don’t belong among your colleagues can significantly hamper your work performance, job satisfaction and lead to burnout.
A confidant you trust and who knows your workplace as well as you do can be instrumental in combating these feelings. By providing a supportive space to share your accomplishments, milestones or any challenges you may be facing, a close workplace confidant can help you recognize and internalize your successes and contextualize your failures.
Great confidants share two stand-out traits, both of which can help you navigate the work environment. For one, they are great listeners who have strong instincts, which can help them pick up on your emotional health. If you are showing signs of burnout, anxiety or depressive thoughts, you can rest assured that a work bestie will be your trusty early warning system. This will allow you to take measures to tackle these challenges before they escalate. Having such a reliable and empathetic ally in your corner not only boosts your confidence but also pushes you to take a more resilient approach to your career and personal well-being.
Secondly, excellent confidants tend to toe the line between being assertive and supportive, providing honest, constructive feedback while also encouraging your strengths and achievements. This balance is crucial in a workplace setting where growth often comes from challenging yet supportive interactions.
They can push you to stretch your abilities and take on new challenges, while also ensuring that you feel valued and capable. This blend of assertiveness and support from a work bestie can be a powerful catalyst for professional development, helping you to evolve in your career with confidence and clarity.
2. They Help With Job Satisfaction Through Workplace Disruptions
Changes in the workplace due to the pandemic have highlighted the increased value of having close friendships at work. Recent Gallup data shows that employees with a work bestie consistently report higher levels of job satisfaction across the board.
In 2020, the year of significant workplace disruption, the presence of a work bestie corresponded to a 6% increase in job satisfaction among those who strongly agreed to having one, from 33% in 2019 to 39% in 2020.
For those without such a relationship at work, the Gallup data reflects a decrease in job satisfaction from 23% in 2021 to 15% in 2022. This decline suggests that the absence of a supportive confidant at work may have become more acutely felt as workplaces adjusted to new normals.
All this to say, having a close confidant at work is important. Such a person can help in maintaining, and potentially boosting, job satisfaction during challenging times.
Conclusion
The evidence is clear: cultivating a “work bestie” relationship is more than just a perk—it’s a career strategy that pays dividends. From mitigating the impacts of imposter syndrome to significantly enhancing job satisfaction during times of change, a work bestie can be your secret weapon in the workplace. Don’t leave this critical relationship to chance; take action to nurture these connections and watch as they transform not just your workdays, but your entire career trajectory.
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