Throughout high school, you learn that it's bad to socialize in class. No note-passing is allowed, no whispering during the lecture. But then, you fast forward and enter the workplace. Suddenly, socializing with coworkers is not just OK, it's encouraged. Many effective managers want you to get to know your coworkers on a friendly basis. That's because the environment you build with your colleagues in the workplace facilitates the type of quality work you'll produce individually and as a team.
Sharing Knowledge
Everyone in your workplace brings a different set of skills and experiences to the table. If you keep to yourself, you might miss out on what influence and information your colleagues offer. Seeing issues and situations from a different perspective can make you more aware of individual personalities, possible partnerships and possible conflicts, and help you become better equipped to handle a wide variety of clients and tasks. Getting to know your colleagues' passions and expertise will help your career by expanding your own knowledge and your respect for others.
Encouraging Teamwork
Coworkers who socialize want to work together. If you know your colleagues on a friendly basis, you're more likely to understand one another when the pressure is on and you have to collaborate. Facilitate better teamwork by knowing more aspects of your colleagues than just their skills and abilities. Maybe your colleagues play sports or have kids? Use these facts and ideas to understand how to relate to coworkers when you're collaborating.
Avoiding Burnout
Workplace burnout usually has little to do with the job itself and more to do with your mental state. According to the "Forbes" article "The Ins and Outs of Workplace Burnout," burnout comes in three varieties, and is caused by mental states such as boredom, workaholism and a feeling of loss of control. You know the drill: if you do something long enough, it grows tedious and even annoying. Keep your job fresh by taking breaks, conversing with colleague, and keeping up with the details of who's who. You may feel more appreciated, not just for your work, but for the way you contribute to the social climate of your company.
Emotional Support
Socializing can build a sense of compassion in the workplace, so that after a life crisis, even if you do have to return to work in a vulnerable state, you may feel supported by colleagues. If you never say more than a brief hello to your coworkers, you can't expect them to be too accommodating when your life turns upside down. Socialize with your colleagues to build a healthy work environment. An article in "The Huffington Post" entitled "Not Socializing At Work Could Be Hazardous To Your Health: Survey Says," suggests that when employees are friendly at work, their bodies releases hormones that contribute to better health.
References
Writer Bio
Jan Archer holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a master's degree in creative writing. Roth has written trade books for Books-a-Million and has published articles on green living, wellness and education topics. She taught business writing, literature, creative writing and English composition at the college level for five years.