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How Friendly Is Too Friendly At Work?

Author: Arthur Truax

How friendly is too friendly at work?

It seems like you can't turn on the news these days without seeing a story about sexual harassment or an inappropriate relationship. We live in a world where even people held in high regard violate professional etiquette. But for some people, it may be confusing as to what is crossing the lines when it comes to work relationship.

For instance, is a social media invite too forward? A hug at a non-work related event too personal? How friendly is over-the-top these days in the work environment? This is not only important for making sure you do not land yourself into a legal situation, but is also something you should understand in terms of wanting to make appropriate friends and relations with co-workers.

If you are wondering if you are staying within reasonable boundaries with a co-work of equal level, you may first want to consult the employee handbook. The human resources department should have the policies on file for your reference. Because companies have different standards, brushing up on what your company promotes is important.

When you start to form friendships at work, you may want to consider how much personal information to reveal to co-workers. It is probably best to not tell your co-worker something that you would not want your boss to hear as you never know who could catch wind of the information if your friend slips up, intentionally or otherwise.

Friendships at work are possible and can even be very beneficial when appropriate. Research shows that people who have a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be engaged at work and professional friendships can boost employee satisfaction by 50 percent, according to USA Today.

In Brief

  • It seems like you can't turn on the news these days without seeing a story about sexual harassment or an inappropriate relationship.
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