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Socializing with coworkers helps strengthen the quality of workplace relationships. Strong relationships enable the team to work better together. Coworkers who communicate well about non-work matters are more likely to collaborate on work effectively. Coworkers will also feel free and open in their work conversations.
Should employees socialize?
PRO: It can increase employee engagement Speaking of stronger relationships: Socializing with employees outside of work is key to growing employee engagement. Taking the time to get to know your employees shows that you value them as members of your team.
Being friends with colleagues is essential to cultivate teamwork and collaboration as well as reduce risks of health problems such as depression and high blood pressure. For employers, happy and healthy staff will perform better, take fewer sick days and bring more energy to work.
How to socialize with colleagues at work?
Points To Keep In Mind While Socializing At Work
- Be friendly and polite to the person you are socializing with, but do not get overly or inappropriately friendly either.
- Listen to others, pay attention and respond to them appropriately.
- Give sincere and honest compliments to your co-workers and customers.
Employees tend to experience a more positive work environment when they trust their managers/organizations. According to Kjerulf, socializing and getting to know employees as people, can help in better communications, mutual trust, and better collaboration.
Does socializing in the workplace improve productivity?
Workplace Socializing Increases Employee Engagement/Productivity. Improvements in wellbeing result in better productivity, higher quality work, and increased employee engagement.
I’m an engineer, so the answer is always, “It depends.” A friendly and empathetic relationship between bosses and direct reports can—and should—be beneficial and enjoyable for both parties. It’s also normal and expected that friendships will happen at work between people who enjoy working together.
Can my company prohibit me from socializing with coworkers?
If the employer can point to a specific duty the employee is neglecting, such as failing to attend an evening networking event, or entertaining clients, then the employer may be able to prohibit this socialization.
Talk about something that interests you. People love explaining things they know, so when you don’t know what someone is talking about, ask them. Don’t pretend like you know, they will be more than happy to teach you. Keep eye contact – Don’t scan the room while talking to someone.
Is it okay not to Socialise?
It’s okay to be less-social than other people Others have a lower drive to socialize, which can show in a variety of ways: They like to spend a lot of time alone. They’re solitary by choice, not because they want to be around people more often, but can’t. When they do socialize they’re happy to do it in smaller doses.
Here’s how to socialize:
- Make small talk, but don’t get stuck in it. I used to dread small talk.
- Focus on what’s around you.
- Figure out what people are passionate about.
- Ask follow-up questions.
- Share about yourself.
- Have many small interactions.
- Don’t write people off to soon.
- Have an approachable body language.
How do you limit socializing at work?
If you have determined that one or a handful of people are overly talkative, take them aside privately and discuss your expectations and your company’s policy. Remind them that you run a place of business, not a place to socialize. Keep the tone of the meeting friendly, but firm.