We’ve all been tempted to recommend a friend for a job with our company, and they become a colleague. Sometimes, it’s a great fit, but not so much. Either way, you feel obligated to help the friend out. The question is: is it a good idea when your friend becomes your colleague?
Maybe you’re struggling with the pros and cons of whether or not you should recommend your friend for the job. Perhaps a friend has recently started working with you, and you’re looking for possible pitfalls. Either way, here’s a comprehensive look at how you could be impacted when your friend becomes your colleague.
The Pros Of Recommending A Friend At Work
There are some excellent reasons to work with friends. First and foremost, they’re your friend!
Work is More Enjoyable
Most people can’t wait for work to finish to meet their friends. Having a friend work with you means the wait is over. Who doesn’t love hanging out with their friends all day? Having your best friend available for breaks and lunch isn’t just a perk for you – it’s for your boss. Studies have shown that having friends in the workplace increases productivity and morale.
Co-workers Are Loyal
We all need friends at work, not just in a friendship way but also in an allies-when-dealing-with-management way. Having a friend as a co-worker means someone will always have your back. You’ve got someone you can trust in your corner instantly.
Having a friend at work can also protect you from gossip. People are less likely to talk about you behind your back if they think one of your friends is listening.
You Know How to Communicate
Chances are you’ve spent a lot of time talking with your friends. Naturally, when you start to work with them, you won’t worry about what you’re saying hurting their feelings or how to get your point across. You’ve had a lot of practice learning to talk to each other, so you don’t need to think too hard about what you will say next.
Allows You to Vent with Understanding
One of the best perks about working with a friend is the ability to vent about work. First, they can relate because they work for the same company. Sometimes, it’s hard to explain precisely what you’re discussing outside of work. With your friends, they get it.
Secondly, you can trust them. They won’t take what you can say and blab it to the bosses. Trusting co-workers is a big issue; you have none of these concerns with a friend.
Constructive Criticism
The beauty of working with a friend is that you can solicit real feedback. Hopefully, they’ll be honest and tell you precisely what you need. Sometimes co-workers can walk on eggshells when giving feedback because they don’t know how you’ll take it – they can’t tell you. Your friend already knows this and may be able to provide you with the blunt criticism you need to move the project forward. This is also a con, which you’ll see in the next section.
One of You Might get Promoted
Chances are now double that one of you will get a promotion. After all, there are two of you. This is also a con. Let’s deal with the good stuff first, though.
There’s nothing more exciting than seeing a friend succeed. Plus, if they become your boss, you already know the new boss likes you, and you can work together. This is the rose-coloured look, but we are talking about the pros right now.
The Cons Of Recommending A Friend At Work
Believe it or not, there are significant negatives when your friend becomes your colleague. Friendships often dissolve over the tiniest of arguments. You must learn how to rectify these issues before they become too massive.
Unprofessional Environment
Working with a friend may be all fun and games, but it’s called “work” for a reason. There’s a tendency to be too loose with words around friends. You can also be a little too loose with time on breaks and deadlines if other co-workers are as lenient as you. This can drive your boss mad. The last thing they want is an unprofessional workplace, which could mean one of you must go.
Resentment from Others
You have a friend at work. You’re in a club. Other people are outside this club. This can cause jealousy and lead to resentment. You could make more enemies at work by adding a friend.
Once your friend starts at work, you must be mindful of how you treat others. Stay inclusive. You don’t want to create opposition.
They Know Too Much
Did you have too much rum at the party at that time? Yeah, they know that. And they know what happened next. Remember that all your memories and experiences with this friend are now coming into the workplace. You’ll want to make sure the friend knows the boundaries.
If you’re professional at work and highly goofy outside of work, you’ll want to ensure these two lives don’t mix. Your friend could make you look bad if various details you’ve kept to yourself come to life. They may not do it intentionally, but the truth can go simultaneously.
Constructive Criticism
This was in the pros section, but here’s the con: your friend may not want to hurt your feelings. They may value friendship so much that they sugarcoat the truth. This can be not good. You need to know when your work needs improvement. It could hold you back if you’re constantly doing subpar work that your friend is telling you is brilliant.
Career Ambition
One of you may be more ambitious than the other person. There’s nothing wrong with this, except when you are forced to compete with each other. Your friend could become that person at the office you’re constantly competing with to get the best assignments (and gain valuable work experience to list and reveal the formula of a perfect resume), the pay raise, the time off, or to be in the office favourite for the boss.
This conflict can pit you against your best friend day in and day out. It’s tough to separate this work rivalry outside of the office. The first step to reaching your career goals may involve doing some things you won’t be proud of later.
One of You Might get Promoted
This pro turns into a con because you’re no longer co-workers. One of you is in charge of the other. In your friendship, things may have been equal, or perhaps you were even the leader of your group, but now, they have all the power.
You may resent them for this for no reason. Worse, you may think they don’t know what they’re talking about and speaking up could mean the end of the friendship.
Work-Life Balance
Lastly, it would be best to have a work-life balance. If your best friend works with you, you may find that work follows you to dinner, the movie theatre, and the mall on weekends.
It would be best if you decompressed from work and constantly hung around with co-workers, which means you’ll see the same faces and have the same conversations every day. Usually, you could get together with friends outside of work and talk about different experiences – now your daytime experiences are very similar, if not the same.
It’s not all doom and gloom. Just scroll back up and reread the pros section. When your friend becomes a colleague it doesn’t need to be a disaster, just be aware of the pitfalls.
The Best Way To Recommend A Friend For A Job
Recommending a friend for a job requires a careful balance of professional judgment and personal endorsement. The first step is thoroughly understanding the job requirements and assessing your friend’s qualifications. Ensuring that your friend’s skills and experiences align well with the job’s demands is crucial. If there’s a strong match, you can proceed confidently.
When making the recommendation, be honest and specific. Highlight your friend’s relevant skills and achievements, but avoid overstatements. It’s essential to be transparent about your relationship but emphasize your recommendation based on merit, not just personal bias. Tailor your recommendation to reflect how your friend’s abilities can meet the specific needs of the role and the company.
Lastly, maintain professionalism throughout the process. Respect the company’s hiring procedures and encourage your friend to do the same. Remember that your recommendation reflects not only on your friend but also on your judgment, so make sure it’s a decision you stand by professionally.
How To Turn Colleagues Into Friends At Work
Turning colleagues into friends at work can enhance your work experience and create a supportive environment. Start by showing genuine interest in your colleagues. Engage in small talk, ask about their interests, and listen actively. This helps in building a foundation of trust and mutual respect.
Participate in social activities or work events. These occasions provide a relaxed setting to connect with colleagues personally. You can also create opportunities for social interaction, like organizing a lunch outing or a team-building activity.
It’s essential to maintain a balance between professionalism and friendship. Establish boundaries that respect both your and your colleagues’ comfort levels. Avoid discussing sensitive topics like religion, politics, or personal finances at work.
Finally, be supportive and helpful. Offering assistance in challenging times or celebrating their achievements can strengthen the bond. Remember, friendships at work should be built on mutual respect and positive interactions, contributing to a healthier and more enjoyable work environment.