Why Your Work Friendships Are More Meaningful Than You Think

Co-workers are the people that you spend the most time with, even more so than friends and family. They have seen you at your best and at your worst. Here are some reasons that your work friendships could easily develop into something more meaningful.

1. They see you at your worst
Seeing you when you are under immense pressure from a looming deadline or after a disagreement with your boss, they have not only seen you at a vulnerable time, but they stuck with you and lent a shoulder to lean on. They are familiar with how you act under stress and know when to offer some reassuring words or let you have your space. You have survived major work-related hardships because your co-worker crew has always been there when you were at your worst.

2. They have seen you grow
Spending a majority of the workday together, your co-workers have watched you flourish, both professionally and personally. They have been there for the major life milestones, whether it was the day that you bought your first house or the time that you got promoted, they were right by your side sipping champagne and patting you on the back.

3. They put in the effort to celebrate your special days
Whether it’s your five-year work anniversary or your birthday, your co-workers know how to throw an office party. From the thoughtfully handwritten sign to your favorite chocolate cupcakes, you always feel appreciated at work and in life because of them.

4. They are always up for a little TV show gossip
It is an unspoken tradition that every Tuesday morning you and a couple of your co-workers will recap the highlights of “The Voice” in painstaking detail. These weekly conversations are the perfect mindless activity to take your mind off the presentation that you have been stressing on for the past week and it also is a great way to bond.

5. They understand that you are not perfect
Your co-workers know all too well about your personal quirks and have learned to take them in stride. They are forgiving when you leave your dirty dishes in the sink, but also are straightforward with you and call you out on things, only because they have your best interests in mind.

6. They understand a large piece of your life
Your world revolves around the office on weekdays, and it is always nice to have people who are familiar with the same environment to commiserate with when you are venting about a work-related issue or recalling an inside joke that only your co-workers would understand the context for.

7. They understand your financial troubles
Having friends who understand your current financial struggles from a low paycheck are priceless, especially if they can relate firsthand like your co-workers can. They have either been there themselves or at the very least they know the unfair pay structure of your company and are willing to partake in $1 Taco Tuesday over handcrafted cocktails any time of the week.

8. They already know the intimate details of your life
From your minor health mishaps to what you eat for breakfast every morning, your co-workers know things about you that only close friends confide in each other about. They are there to give you an Advil when your head is pounding from the night before or laugh with you as you recall an embarrassing encounter in the bathroom with your boss.

9. They want to hang out with you outside the office
On top of spending forty hours together during the week, they want to include you in their weekend plans and vice versa. Whether it is plans to see the latest action flick after work or chowing down on some seriously good Thai on the weekend, you always seem to be making plans to hang out.

10. They know your friends and family
Knowing your family is a key component to understand you and why you are the way you are. They have heard all the stories of you growing up and how you always fought with your older sister about whose turn it was to take out the trash. Your co-workers also know who your closest friends are and why they are so important to you.

In summary, work friendships are more meaningful than we often give them credit for. These relationships are built on shared experiences, understanding, and support. Don’t underestimate the bonds you form with your co-workers – they could be some of the most meaningful connections in your life.