Starting a new job comes with all sorts of challenges. You feel like you have no clue what you’re doing. You have no idea how to work the company’s software. You get lost on your way to the bathroom. And, as if that all wasn’t enough to have you feeling totally edgy and anxious about your new gig, you also feel like a total loner in the office.
Work is a huge part of your life—and, you likely spend more time with your co-workers than you do with any of your friends or family members. Needless to say, feeling like you have a great relationship with them is not only nice, it’s necessary.
Branching out in the office in order to become friendly with other employees can feel a little uncomfortable and unnatural. But, I assure you, it’s really not that challenging!
Take a look at these five simple tricks for making friends at your new job, and prepared to be the most well-liked worker in your office!
1. Bring In Treats to Share
If you’ve ever seen people all out brawling over a free hotdog that was shot out of a cannon at a sporting event or constantly hovering around the complimentary appetizer table at a networking function, you already know this: people love free food.
There’s no better way to win over your new co-workers than by bringing in a treat or snack to be shared in the breakroom. So, grab some donuts on your way into the office or whip up your famous taco dip. Not only is it a surefire way to ensure that your new team members love you, but it’ll also give you a great chance to chat while people load up their plates.
2. Dish Out Compliments
Everyone loves being complimented. But, for some reason, many of us are much more generous with criticisms than we are with flattery.
To initiate a friendship with your co-workers, don’t hesitate to let them know when you like something. Tell your deskmate that you love her sweater. Compliment your team member on the family photo on his desk. Let your co-worker know that he did a great job on his portion of that big project.
These positive remarks portray you as the friendly, approachable, and kind person that you are—the kind of person that everybody wants to be friends with. Plus, they’re a great way to spark an entirely new conversation!
3. Ask Questions
You’ll have no shortage of questions when beginning your new job. So, instead of suffering in a state of silent panic at your desk, get out there and ask your new co-workers for a helping hand! Chances are, they’ll be happy to show you the ropes—everybody loves feeling like an expert in something.
Of course, you can also ask questions that extend past your basic job duties. Ask your team members how long they’ve been there. What do they like to do outside of work? Do they have a family?
Questions are an easy way to get a conversation rolling, as it prompts people with something specific they can talk about. So, have a few of those conversation starters stored in the back of your mind. It’ll spare you from that awkward exchange about the weather while waiting in line to use the breakroom microwave.
4. Set Up a Happy Hour
Getting to know people in your workplace can be kind of tough. You’re aiming to establish a friendship that doesn’t just involve chatting about how cold the office always is—but, you don’t want to look like a slacker who’s using paid work time to gab and gossip with co-workers.
So, why not get everybody out of the office for a little bit of fun and get-to-know-you time? Pick a work evening and set up a happy hour at a nearby bar or restaurant. It’s a great excuse for everybody to get together and talk, enjoy some drinks and appetizers, and generally unwind from the workday.
Another great way to get on your co-workers’ good side? Buy the first round of drinks.
5. Find Common Ground
When you’re starting a new job, you obviously know very little about your new teammates—aside from what they keep on their desk and how they like their coffee in the morning. You may feel like all you have in common is your employment. But, I assure you, that’s not true.
This tip is so simple, yet so many people neglect to put themselves out there and do it. So, have a casual conversation with your co-worker about what he or she likes to do after work. Maybe you’re both in a bowling league. Perhaps you’re both obsessed with the same t.v. show. Or, maybe she’s training for her first marathon—and that’s been your biggest passion for years.
There’s way more for you to bond over and chat about than your shared careers. You just need to open up the dialogue.
Beginning a new job isn’t easy, and you’re likely left feeling a little intimidated by all of the new things you need to learn. But, don’t let your new co-workers be one of them. Instead, put these tips into action and you’re sure to become close with your new teammates in no time! Hey, they can also probably help you find the bathroom.
