WASHINGTON — The health benefits of developing friends from work include reduction of stress and stress resilience. Work is not just a place to pick up a paycheck anymore; work is where we get healthy by investing in community.
Continued research shows our co-workers are the top reason we love going to work every day. These positive relationships at work increase our productivity and lower our stress levels.
Develop new friends at work:
- Become aware of your co-workers’ interests, hobbies and personalities.
- Prioritize time with friends at work. Give them the same importance as a business meeting or doctor’s appointment.
- A meal: Share a meal with a friend at least twice a month.
- Get together: Exercise, take a class or go to events together.
- Keep in touch: Coordinate a conference call with a group of co-workers once a month.
- Take a new look: Expand your concept of friendship to include co-workers from all age groups and all walks of life — each has unique gifts.
Commit today to exploring the restorative power of friends at work.
