5 Tips For Making Friends at Work

Some worker bees like to keep their time at the office strictly business, while others see work as an opportunity to meet new buds. If you fall into the latter group, you know that discovering new friends in an office environment can be tricky to navigate. Don't fret, I have some tips for initiating new relationships that might just turn co-workers into friends.

• Give Compliments - It's the little things that count. When passing a co-worker in the hallway, go beyond the average hello. If her shirt is a great color on her, let her know, and if she's wearing killer shoes, don't keep your thoughts to yourself. Compliments can go a long way when it comes to making friends.
• Invite Someone to Lunch - If you want to make friends, you need to be proactive. Ask someone to join you for a lunch out, or take advantage of a nice day and invite your potential friend to bring her brown bag outside and join you for the hour.
• Stop and Chat - Bosses actually like to see that employees are getting along. I'm not saying you should spend your day frivolously socializing, but it's not looked down upon to stop and chat with a co-worker for a few minutes. Most companies want there to be an office culture that isn't all about workers and their computer screens.
• Venture to the Kitchen - Just because you don't have time to take a true lunch break doesn't mean you're chained to your desk. The office kitchen is a great place to socialize, even if it's just enough time to ask about a co-worker's weekend. Take a mini break to the kitchen for a little dose of small talk.
• RSVP Yes - You don't have to attend every office organized happy hour, but it would benefit your social life to say yes on a regular basis. People start showing their true colors outside office confines, making it an ideal time for you to bond with your co-workers.