Working With Friends, Can It Work?
Having a great relationship with your coworkers has the potential to significantly increase job satisfaction.
Working with coworkers who have been friends first can be a different story, though.
Furthermore, if you happened to find a job opening through a friend, it can easily complicate both your work and personal relationship.
Here are some important things to consider before working with a friend: The Growing Networking Trend A report from The New York Times indicates that a growing number of referrals from employees account for hires at many large companies that are tasked with sorting through thousands of applications.
One particularly noteworthy example of this trend is the accounting and consulting firm, Ernst & Young, where nearly 50 percent of recent hires were recommended by their current employees.
This referral rate is up from 28 percent in 2010.
It is truly all about who you know in business right now for the most highly sought-after positions.
Recommendations from employees are great for companies because they're cost-, energy- and time-effective.
While networking can be a valuable tool in the business world, it's important to consider all possible outcomes before accepting a friend's position recommendation at their company.
Job Referrals from Friends In some job fields, nepotism is looked down on more than others, and it has more potential to be trouble.
One example would be a law firm, as many have direct anti-nepotism policies.
Work environments that discourage hiring friends and family members are concerned about: - Reducing corruption - Decreasing workplace efficiency - Decreasing collaboration that could promote personal interests rather than those of the company - Elevating employee perception of unequal treatment or favoritism Friends as Coworkers or Employees If you choose to take a job recommended by a friend, be sure to discuss this situation openly with your friend before your first day of work.
Be clear about each of your expectations and set some office behavior ground rules.
Things to consider include: - Mutual respect: Make sure that you and your friend do not allow your familiarity with one another to cause you to treat each other casually.
Show mutual respect in the workplace and do not undermine each other's work.
- Establish boundaries: Clearly define each of your roles at work and how your positions support one another.
Avoid overstepping the boundaries of your position.
- Socialize outside of work: Refrain from eating lunch together daily, or being a constant unit within the office.
Avoid gossip, and when socializing outside of work, keep conversations about work to a minimum.
Managing a Friend Another potentially awkward workplace scenario is directly managing a friend.
No matter what happens, it will most likely take some time to adjust to this situation.
However, it does not need to signal the end of your friendship, nor should it sour your working relationship if handled with the right amount of care.
Adhering to some basic guidelines can make this transition easier.
Try to treat your friend the same as everyone else and avoid favoritism.
Avoid discussing work issues with your friend outside of the office.
Take Time to Discuss and Decide Job referrals from friends present a number of issues to address.
Employee perception of favoritism, decreased workplace efficiency and the potential for corruption are just a few of the concerns involved with this situation.
While there are plenty of concerns involved in working with a close friend, open communication, effective conflict resolution and a professional demeanor can greatly reduce possible friction.
Navigating common employment search pitfalls is difficult enough in a recession.
If you find yourself in the delicate position of considering a job offer at a friend's company, seek out the advice of a trusted staffing professional.
They will be able to help you objectively weigh out the pros and cons, as well as develop a long-term career strategy that works for you.
Working with coworkers who have been friends first can be a different story, though.
Furthermore, if you happened to find a job opening through a friend, it can easily complicate both your work and personal relationship.
Here are some important things to consider before working with a friend: The Growing Networking Trend A report from The New York Times indicates that a growing number of referrals from employees account for hires at many large companies that are tasked with sorting through thousands of applications.
One particularly noteworthy example of this trend is the accounting and consulting firm, Ernst & Young, where nearly 50 percent of recent hires were recommended by their current employees.
This referral rate is up from 28 percent in 2010.
It is truly all about who you know in business right now for the most highly sought-after positions.
Recommendations from employees are great for companies because they're cost-, energy- and time-effective.
While networking can be a valuable tool in the business world, it's important to consider all possible outcomes before accepting a friend's position recommendation at their company.
Job Referrals from Friends In some job fields, nepotism is looked down on more than others, and it has more potential to be trouble.
One example would be a law firm, as many have direct anti-nepotism policies.
Work environments that discourage hiring friends and family members are concerned about: - Reducing corruption - Decreasing workplace efficiency - Decreasing collaboration that could promote personal interests rather than those of the company - Elevating employee perception of unequal treatment or favoritism Friends as Coworkers or Employees If you choose to take a job recommended by a friend, be sure to discuss this situation openly with your friend before your first day of work.
Be clear about each of your expectations and set some office behavior ground rules.
Things to consider include: - Mutual respect: Make sure that you and your friend do not allow your familiarity with one another to cause you to treat each other casually.
Show mutual respect in the workplace and do not undermine each other's work.
- Establish boundaries: Clearly define each of your roles at work and how your positions support one another.
Avoid overstepping the boundaries of your position.
- Socialize outside of work: Refrain from eating lunch together daily, or being a constant unit within the office.
Avoid gossip, and when socializing outside of work, keep conversations about work to a minimum.
Managing a Friend Another potentially awkward workplace scenario is directly managing a friend.
No matter what happens, it will most likely take some time to adjust to this situation.
However, it does not need to signal the end of your friendship, nor should it sour your working relationship if handled with the right amount of care.
Adhering to some basic guidelines can make this transition easier.
Try to treat your friend the same as everyone else and avoid favoritism.
Avoid discussing work issues with your friend outside of the office.
Take Time to Discuss and Decide Job referrals from friends present a number of issues to address.
Employee perception of favoritism, decreased workplace efficiency and the potential for corruption are just a few of the concerns involved with this situation.
While there are plenty of concerns involved in working with a close friend, open communication, effective conflict resolution and a professional demeanor can greatly reduce possible friction.
Navigating common employment search pitfalls is difficult enough in a recession.
If you find yourself in the delicate position of considering a job offer at a friend's company, seek out the advice of a trusted staffing professional.
They will be able to help you objectively weigh out the pros and cons, as well as develop a long-term career strategy that works for you.
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