Why it is Said That “your Coworkers Are Not Your Friends”

It is said that “your coworkers are not your friends” because labor relations are usually based on professional, non -personal interests, and can change for competition or decisions. This vision, although simple and cold, has its reason for being. After all, labor relations and friendship have very different dynamics and confuse them causes disappointments and even professional conflicts.

Therefore, in this Psychology For article, we tell you Why it is said that “your coworkers are not your friends” And how you should behave in the work environment.

Why are you not your friends job

Work is an environment in which Relationships are conditioned by the hierarchy and the objectives of the company. Unlike friendships, based on confidence and unconditional support, labor relations can be affected by competitiveness, the need to make decisions and professional image.

Although there are exceptions, some of the reasons why you have been able to hear that your coworkers are not your friends are:

• Professional interests above personal: In a job, each person seeks to grow and/or obtain recognition, which can lead to rivalries or conflicts of interest. In fact, which can favor a partner, can harm another, which hardly derives in a genuine friendship.
• Hierarchies: Labor relations are influenced by authority and the need to respect the company’s standards. This detail limits the trust and spontaneity of a friendship and, therefore, prevents the true character of a person from going to light.
• Differences in values ​​and priorities: While in a friendship people choose to be together by affinity, at work the interactions are imposed and can involve people with very different values.
• INSTABILITY IN THE RELATIONSHIP: layoffs, resignations or changes in the structure of the company can completely modify a employment relationship. On the contrary, true friendships often transcend these changes.

What is the difference between friends and co -worker

To avoid misunderstanding and unrealistic expectations, it is important to differentiate friends from co -workers. The main differences are as follows:

Typology of the relationship

While an authentic and sincere friendship is characterized by affection, loyalty and mutual desire to share time together, co -workers are related by necessity in a certain context. In case it happens, in this article, we explain what it means to dream of co -workers.

Origin of the relationship

Friendships are built from shared experiences, common values ​​and a deep emotional connection. In a friendship, mutual trust and a true interest are expected to take care of the other. On the other hand, in a employment relationship, although there is cordiality and camaraderie, The link is conditioned by the interests of the company.

Conflict management

Another key difference between friends and co -workers is the way conflicts are managed. Among friendsdisagreements are resolved from an emotional point of view with the intention to conserve the relationship. At work, disagreements are usually inevitable and there is not always an interest in maintaining a close relationship outside the work environment. In this article, we show you how to solve a conflict at work.

Also, the information that is shared between friends is more personal and intimate, while conversations Between co -workers They are marked by certain limits.

How to behave with co -workers if they are not your friend

Regardless of whether or not you have found friendship in the work environment, it is essential to maintain a cordial and professional relationship between colleagues to favor a positive environment. Next, we show you some guidelines to follow to have a good relationship with your co -workers:

• Be kind and respectful: courtesy and education are key to maintaining a good work environment. After all, a respectful treatment facilitates collaboration and avoids unnecessary conflicts.
• Avoid gossip and rumors: Cotilleos can not only affect your reputation but also cause tensions and discussions among colleagues. So keep a neutral posture and avoid getting involved in negative conversations about other people.
• Establish limits: Remember that at work, as in life, not all people are trusted and that, therefore, some could use the information you share against you. So before venting with a partner, think twice.
• Be a professional: Even if you discover that you have affinity with some colleagues, do not forget that the work environment has rules and expectations that must be met.
• Do not depend on your classmates: Although sharing time at work can generate the illusion that there is a nearby friendship, you must remember that these relationships usually change when work circumstances do so.
• Build collaborative relationships: Instead of looking for friends at work, focus on building professional relationships that facilitate teamwork and cooperation.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology For we have no power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Why it is said that “your coworkers are not your friends” we recommend that you enter our category of social psychology.

References

• Goleman, D. (1998). Working with Emotional Intelligence. Bantam Books.
• KOHN, ML, School, C. (1983). Work and personality: an inquiry into the impact of social stratification. Ablex Publishing.
• Wright, PL, Lichtenstein, BM (1996). The Social Psychology of Organizational Behavior. Prentice Hall.