Is your colleague your friend?

Do you have a colleague who is more than a colleague? Who would you call your boyfriend or girlfriend? Friendship in the workplace is good for your happiness, your health, for productivity and for your career. There are also drawbacks. When friendships develop in the workplace, it can also mean that others feel left out. Or you may find it harder to make work decisions when you consider the best interests of your boyfriend or girlfriend.  

Did you know that different countries deal with friendship in the workplace very differently? American research shows that Americans do value good social contacts in the workplace, but that they usually keep work and friends separate. This is in contrast to people in India, for example, where colleagues come over much more often and people even go on holiday with colleagues.  

This is how you recognize true friendship

Which colleague do you think of when it comes to friendship in the workplace? Check these characteristics of friendship, then you know whether your colleague is really that friend, or just a very nice colleague!

1. Honest and sincere

Can you say what's bothering you? Do you not hesitate to give your opinion and do you not have to wonder how something comes across? Being able to be honest with each other is a sign of friendship. You trust that your band can take a beating and that you will get the benefit of the doubt.

2. Being there for each other

Does your colleague listen to you when you are having a bad day? Does he throw his stuff aside to hear your story? It means your problems   are important to listen to. Telling your story is always nice, it's nice when someone really listens to you.

3. Don't judge

You can just be who you are, find what you think, your fellow friend will appreciate you no less for it.

4. You enjoy being in each other's company

It's that simple. You just feel comfortable with each other, whether you're working hard, catching up after the weekend, or just being in the same room, friends enjoy being together.

5. Laughing together

Laughing together is always a good indicator of friendship! Sometimes you laugh together at nothing, sometimes at a joke that only you can understand, it doesn't matter. Laughing together creates a bond.    

Are you ready for a new job and/or a new friendship? Then take a look at our vacancies.

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