The Unexpected Joy of Workplace Friendships: Why Networking Beyond Your Comfort Zone Matters
By Julie Griffith
I never expected that some of my oldest and dearest friends would come from the workplace. Yet, as I look back on decades of my career, I realize that the people who have shaped my life —the ones who have celebrated my victories and held me up during hardships—are not always my childhood friends or college friends. They are colleagues from different industries, cities, and even countries, people I may never have met had it not been for a shared project or a long chamber trip bus ride.
What’s most surprising? Many of these friendships formed with people vastly different from me. I’ve built close relationships with coworkers younger and older, single and married, from different racial and cultural backgrounds. Some have kids, some don’t. Some are introverts who taught me patience; others are extroverts who dragged me into (sometimes mis) adventure. These friendships not only made my career more enjoyable but enriched my life outside of work in ways I never expected.
Research backs up what I’ve experienced firsthand: connecting with people who are different from you makes life richer and leads to greater happiness. A study from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on happiness, found that strong relationships are the key to a fulfilling life—not money, not status, not fame. And it turns out that diverse friendships help build resilience, expand our perspectives, and even improve cognitive function.
Another study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that friendships across race, gender, and age lines can lead to greater emotional intelligence, reducing bias and improving overall well-being. Expanding our social networks beyond those who are similar to us challenges our assumptions and broadens our worldview, making us more adaptable, empathetic, and—yes—happier.
If most of your friendships look like you—same age, background, life stage—you might be missing out. Here are some ways to start diversifying your network and building meaningful friendships in the process:
At work it’s easy to stick with your immediate team, but some of the best relationships form when you collaborate across departments. Volunteer for a cross-functional project, join a task force, or even participate in an employee resource group.
Conferences, workshops, and networking events can expose you to people outside of your usual circle. Instead of sticking with the familiar faces, introduce yourself to someone different—a younger professional, a seasoned executive, or someone from a different cultural background.
Platforms like LinkedIn, Meetup, or local business or nonprofit associations are great places to meet people in different industries or with different career experiences. Engage in discussions, attend meetups.
Mentorship is a two-way street. While younger colleagues can benefit from your experience, you might be surprised by how much you gain from their fresh perspectives. Likewise, having an older mentor in a different field can open up unexpected opportunities and insights.
Make it a habit to grab coffee or lunch with someone you don’t usually talk to. Ask about their career path, interests outside of work, or even their perspectives on industry trends. The more you invest in these casual connections, the stronger they can become.
Nothing builds relationships like working toward a shared cause. Volunteering with a coworker or through a professional group can create deeper bonds and expose you to new people in a meaningful way.
Meeting people is one thing—maintaining those relationships is another. Here are some ways to keep workplace friendships strong, even after you move on from a job:
If I’ve learned anything from my years in the workforce, it’s this: the people you work with can become your lifelong friends—if you’re open to it. And the best friendships often come from unexpected places.
So, the next time you’re in a meeting, at a networking event, or even in the office kitchen, take a moment to connect with someone new. You never know—the person sitting across from you could become one of your oldest and dearest friends. Thank you friends!
