this is work 744 how to friend at work: navigating workplace friendships with Steph Clarke
Nov 9, 2025
In this discussion, Steph Clarke, Founder of 28 Thursdays and author of How To Friend, dives into the nuances of workplace friendships. She explores whether it's possible to truly befriend your boss and the impact of favoritism on those relationships. Steph discusses the dynamics of energy givers vs. energy drainers and shares how honest conversations can enhance trust. They debate the merits of bringing your whole self to work versus showing your best self, while also unpacking how culture and bias shape workplace interactions.
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Friend Asked To Deliver Tough News
- Steph told a story about being asked to tell a friendly colleague she was underperforming after managers avoided the task.
- The conversation was awful but ultimately helped the colleague move to a better-suited career sooner.
Work's Intensity Builds And Breaks Bonds
- Work creates intense friendships via frequency, proximity and shared highs and lows.
- It also injects competition and scarcity, which can quickly strain trust when stakes rise.
Build Trust, Not Just Shared Grievances
- Prioritise trust, fun, and reciprocity when building workplace friendships.
- Avoid relationships that primarily rely on complaint or a shared 'enemy' because they lack healthy foundations.
