Does Your Friendship with a Co-Worker Interfere with Work?

There's a difference between being 'friendly' and being 'friends'. Once you've crossed over into a genuine friendship at work, you have to be very careful it doesn't start to become a distraction. After all, the main reason we go to work is to work, not so socialise. If you spend too long chatting and relaxing together, people will start to notice – including your boss.

Having friendships at work can be a really positive thing, as long as you set a few boundaries. Chit-chat here and there can actually boost productivity, but if you spend too much time talking then you're not going to get through your assignments. You could instead agree to take your lunch hour or breaks together, and use your down time to catch-up.

It's also important you don't exclude anyone. If you're working on a joint project, treat everyone equally and include other team members you're not so close to. People can become resentful if they feel excluded from the little clique you've built with your friend, especially if it means they miss out on an opportunity because you chose your friend over them.

There's also the danger you'll slide into office gossip. When you get that close to and comfortable with someone, talking behind other people's backs seems to come naturally. Remember that it's not fair on other co-workers, and there can be serious problems if you're caught out.

Meeting up outside of work is perfectly fine, and friendship is a fantastic thing. Just ensure friendship and work are kept apart as much as possible during office hours.