Consistency, vulnerability, and opening up are key steps to developing work friendships, according to Shasta. Consistency involves repeated interactions and a shared history to build trust. Vulnerability is crucial in revealing who we are and fostering authenticity and curiosity. Opening up requires finding opportunities to share highlights or accomplishments, even in team meetings. Although it may feel uncomfortable at first, the effort to be open is worth the benefits of feeling connected.
Work and friendship don't mix, thought Katherine Hu. A recent graduate, she found it harder to form bonds with colleagues than she'd expected. But then she concluded that not having friends at work helps you set boundaries and remain professional. After all, work is fundamentally a financial transaction, right?
Well, we spend many of our waking hours at work - and the science suggests that if we decide not to use that time making meaningful friendships then our health and wellbeing could suffer.
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