How to Make Friends When You Work from Home

This can be a great way to get advice and learn from someone who has more experience than you. Co-working spaces can be a great way to make connections and get feedback on projects or ideas. Plus, you can bounce ideas off each other and get help when you need it. Schedule time to connect with like-minded individuals in your industry to expand your network and make friends. Reframe your view on relationships with older coworkers and create opportunities to connect. And yet I couldn’t help but find some of this advice a bit frustrating. I knew that intention was important, but I also chafed at the idea that workplace relationships were something I could will into being with enough persistence and determination.

• Imagine if you couldn’t drop by a co-worker’s desk during your very first job, or go out for drinks after work with your colleagues.
• As you train together, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from each other and support each other’s growth and development.
• You’ll not only have the chance to give back to your community, but you’ll also develop different skills and friendships from your experiences.
• And you’re gonna wind up describing your work in the context of the human that’s in front of you.
• And this gives loneliness a chance to creep in and grow before you even realize it’s happening.

After all, who would want to leave the loving embrace of cheesy pasta with friends every single night at university or the monotonous comfort of the school schedule? But when it comes time to go for the “big job,” one of the things that makes it exciting is the opportunity to meet new people. Co-working spaces are great places to find other remote workers and freelancers who share the same workspace as you do. Utilize these shared workspaces to network with your peers and make new friends. If you, like me, find it difficult to make friends at work, try what Polly did (something I’ve used as my go-to icebreaker at a new workplace). In a casual, comfortable way, just ask the person next to you, “What’s exciting you these days?

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For example, The Wing in New York City and Washington, D.C. Is a co-working space and community just for women that also hosts events like film screenings and conversations with local politicians. You quickly miss the natural connection with coworkers where so many of us ultimately find great friendships. Making friends as an adult can already be a bit tricky, and we often rely on an office for much of that post-school interaction. As increasing numbers of us work virtually (or for ourselves!), there are more people than you might expect hoping to make new friends outside of a workplace.

• This could be a channel to share tips for keeping those houseplants alive, swap recipes and dinner ideas, or talk about the books people are reading.
• In many offices, friendships are built naturally during lunch, or over dinners grabbed after work.
• “Workplace friends and a support system is important, however I am a firm believer in separating my life from my work,” she says.
• “It allows me the flexibility to participate in evening classes and also spend more time with loved ones.”
• Post-pandemic hybrid working has turned this dream on its head.

Start sweatworking and you’ll meet loads of network connections. One of the major benefits of remote work is having the time to squeeze in exercise and healthier eating habits since you won’t be stuck in a daily commute. This next tip benefits your social life just as much as your physical health. Think about joining a local kickball league, cheesemaking class, neighborhood preservation society, wine and painting night, book club, and more. This connection and understanding may make it easier for you to get used to working solo and expand your circle of friends at the same time. These brief conversations will flex your small talk muscles and take the scary out of striking up chats with strangers you may find attractive or influential in your industry.

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The key here is to break the silence and start a conversation. After all, both of you are part of the same organization. Humans are social creatures who crave social interaction, so don’t let the silence hang heavy in the air. A chat messaging service is your go-to medium for remote work friendships.

• Every company has Slack channels for jokes, memes, snack alerts, or just sharing stories and gossip.
• And some people intentionally keep their networks on social platforms small—or separate from their professional life.
• I admit it — I’ve given into the temptation of living in pajamas and not leaving my apartment for days while I binge-watch The Walking Dead.
• If you’re feeling extra brave, you can even set up a virtual coffee date.
• Check-in with your colleagues regularly to see how they’re doing professionally and personally.
• Most of the time you can find at least one person you really like at your company.

If you’re not careful, you can quickly find yourself feeling lonely and disconnected from the world. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make friends when youwork from home. “Would any of these relationships even exist if we’d worked together the way people how to make friends when you work from home have over the past 20 months—via Zoom, Slack, text, and email? Is true friendship even possible when nearly all of your connections are digital? Get involved in company social events, even if they’re virtual. For example, many companies now have virtual happy hours.

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Local coffee shops provide a great opportunity to meet new people and make lasting friendships. Yes, there are a number of online resources available to help you make connections and build relationships when working remotely. Additionally, many companies offer internal events and activities for their https://remotemode.net/ employees that can be a great way to get connected with your colleagues. One of the best ways to make friends at work is to be proactive and start conversations with your colleagues. For example, ask them about their weekend plans, or strike up a discussion about something you read in the news.

You can discuss your current work situation, catch up on each other’s lives, and even discuss potential new business opportunities. This can be especially beneficial if you are looking to network with people who have similar interests or goals. Professional groups offer the opportunity to network and exchange ideas. They can also provide valuable resources for finding job opportunities and making contacts in your industry.