Making Friends at Work

It’s amazing how some of the best friendships in my life have evolved into some of the most fulfilling professional collaborations. I’m fortunate to say that friends I met in college, high school, or social groups—inspiring people I’ve collected along the way—have, over time, through the perfect circumstances, become trusted partners in work projects. There’s something uniquely rewarding about sharing both personal and professional parts of your life with the same people.

And it works both ways. If you’re open to it, work colleagues can also become some of your closest friends. Sometimes, you’ll feel that spark—a deeper alignment with someone at work. You’ll share a laugh, discover a shared interest, or just feel like you’re on the same wavelength. But here’s the catch: it’s up to you to cultivate that connection.

If you don’t, you’ll go back to discussing the spreadsheet or the project at hand. It’ll be a good collaboration, maybe even a little more fun than the average work task, but you’ll have closed yourself off to the possibility of really getting to know that person and letting them into your world. And that’s a missed opportunity—not just for a great friendship, but for the kind of trust and connection that can make work even more fulfilling.

On a recent work trip, I saw firsthand how powerful these connections can be. Between reconnecting with old friends and stepping into a colleague’s world to learn something new, I was reminded that the lines between personal and professional aren’t always as rigid as we think. In fact, the best relationships often blur those lines in the most meaningful ways.

Breaking Bread and Building Connection

One of the highlights of my trip was a series of epic meals shared with friends—people I first met through work but who’s friendship has become so much more. Over laughter and storytelling, we created a kind of connection that has nothing to do with deadlines or deliverables.

There’s something uniquely fulfilling about shared meals. They’re not just about nourishing the body—they nourish relationships. Breaking bread has been a cultural cornerstone for building trust and deepening bonds throughout human history. At work, meals are a low-pressure way to humanize colleagues and build authentic connections. For me, breaking bread together is my signature move; a way of inviting bigger connection.

What stood out most during that meal wasn’t the food (though it was amazing) but the sense of camaraderie that emerged. The shared laughter and moments of vulnerability built trust that makes collaborating later so much easier.

Seeing Friends in Their Element

Another transformative moment came when I attended a friend’s masterclass in NYC. This wasn’t just any training—it was taught by a professor who’s a master of a movement, pioneering a technique they invented after decades of study and practice.

Here’s the thing: this is someone I’ve known for years. I thought I already had a deep understanding of their expertise. But stepping into their world, out of my own comfort zone, gave me a whole new perspective. The class wasn’t just a physical challenge (though it definitely was!); it was a reminder of how much we can learn from the people in our lives.

It’s easy to take for granted what our friends bring to the table, especially when we’re close to them. But when we engage with their work—really engage—it can be a transformative experience. Seeing my friend teach with such mastery made me appreciate not just their skills, but also the value of lifelong learning and stepping into someone else’s world.

There’s no denying that this deep understanding and growth in our personal friendship also makes our professional collaborations so much stronger.

Navigating Friend/Colleague Boundaries

Now, let’s address a tricky but important reality: workplaces don’t always encourage friendships. Policies and boundaries are there for a reason, and we should absolutely respect them. When professional connections aren’t treated with care, things can go wrong quickly.

But here’s the flip side: we’re human. We’re relational. We thrive on connection. Ignoring that reality leads to cold, uninspiring workplaces where people don’t feel truly seen or valued.

The key is balance. Respectful, professional boundaries can coexist with meaningful relationships. It starts with mutual respect and a shared commitment to building connections thoughtfully.

Some of the strongest teams I’ve seen are the ones that don’t keep everything strictly professional—they’re the teams that understand and respect each other as people. They share meals, laugh together, celebrate wins, and sometimes become lifelong friends.

Okay, Let’s Play

Building meaningful connections doesn’t mean breaking boundaries—it means being open to finding the humanity in the people you work with. The strength of your network isn’t just in the work you do together—it’s in the moments you share “doing life together”.

Ready: It’s time to rethink the way we approach relationships at work. Building meaningful, respectful connections can enhance both your professional and personal life.

Set: Start small. Whether it’s sharing a meal, attending a colleague’s event, or simply reaching out to reconnect, there are countless ways to strengthen your network.

Go:

• Reflect on Your Network: Take a moment to think about your current connections. Who inspires you? Who would you like to reconnect with?
• Share a Meal: Invite a colleague or friend to lunch with nothing on the agenda other than connection.
• Learn from a Friend: Step into someone else’s professional world—attend their class, presentation, or event, and be open to what they can teach you.
• Build Trust: Look for ways to connect with colleagues on a human level. Celebrate their wins, ask about their goals, and be a supportive presence.

Connection is the Real Currency

The workplace is full of opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn—but only if we’re open to them. When we approach our professional relationships with respect, curiosity, and humanity, we create the kind of bonds that can last a lifetime.

You never know… Your next lifelong friend might be sitting across the conference table from you—you just have to be open to the possibility.

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Hey there! I’m Blair Bloomston, author of UPLIFTED WEEKLY and your friendly consultant, facilitator, and game-based educator on-call, bringing a passion and penchant for all things play (I’m also alliteratively all-in). As the founder of Leaders Uplifted, I help leaders like you tap into creativity, connection, and confidence to make work feel less like a grind and more like a game. Keep reading with me— I’m here to be your business best friend. Let's go!