How to make friends at work?

Having a good plan of action in place to foster friends at work is key. After all, having meaningful relationships in the workplace is more important than ever before and is often linked to job satisfaction. So, whether it's your first day on the job or you've been there for a while, here are some tips to avoid sinking into a friendless rut.

Tips for making friends at work:

• Be friendly. Smile, say hello, and be open to meeting new people. Show interest in your colleagues and their work

• Engage in small talk. We know this can be awkward, which is why we suggest coming up with a list of small talk topics so you can expand the conservation beyond the weather

• Participate in group activities. Join social events, team-building activities, and other group activities at work. This can help you meet new people and build relationships.

• Suggest going out for lunch during your break. Try to get a group of colleagues to go check out the new restaurant in the area.

• Offer help. Offer to help your colleagues with their work or projects. This can show that you are a team player and can help you build positive relationships.

• Participate in team activities. Most organizations with a good company culture arrange at-work activities and out-of-work gatherings. These provide you with the perfect opportunity to meet people that you don't directly work with every day and get to know them outside the office.

• Find common interests. Look for common interests with your colleagues, such as hobbies, sports, or favorite TV shows. Or create your own interest group, such as - a trivia team or a book club. This can help you find topics to talk about and create connections.

• Treat your coworkers to baked goods. A great way to anyone's heart is through good food. So, if you have a special recipe up your sleeve, why not share it with the rest of your colleagues? They will appreciate the effort that went into your baking

• Be friendly and authentic. When trying to make friends in the office, it's important not to be too pushy or inauthentic. If you say something for the sake of it, it will come across as fake and they will see right through you.

Remember that building friendships takes time and effort. Be patient and open to new experiences, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to meet new people.