Work Friends: Boundaries, Confidentiality, and Career Impact

Hey there, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of "Working On It," the podcast where we unpack the real-life complexities of today's working world. I'm Lauren Spearman, your advocate for salary transparency, here with my fantastic co-host, Molly Johnson-Jones, the mastermind behind Flexa Careers.

Today, we’re diving into a topic that's super relatable for most of us: workplace friendships. We’re talking about those amazing yet sometimes complicated connections we form with our colleagues. On the one hand, having friends at work can make your job a lot more enjoyable and even help you advance in your career. On the other hand, it can get a bit tricky when it comes to maintaining boundaries, dealing with promotions, and keeping things professional—especially if you end up managing your friends or connecting with your boss on social media.

We're going to break it all down for you. From the benefits of sharing salary info with a trusted colleague to the perils of workplace fallouts when competition and promotions come into play. We’ve got some eye-opening statistics lined up, along with personal stories that both Molly and I have experienced in our careers that highlight just how impactful workplace friendships can be.

You'll also hear about my own journey navigating work friendships as a freelancer, balancing professionalism with genuine connections. Plus, Molly will share her insights on maintaining boundaries, especially when you're the boss or managing a close friend.

So, if you’ve ever struggled with where to draw the line, felt the sting of a work friendship gone sour, or wondered how to maintain these valuable connections without compromising your professional integrity, stick around. This episode is packed with tips and advice to help you make the most out of your workplace friendships while keeping things smooth and professional.

Let's dive straight into exploring the fascinating realm of professional friendships!

Key Points:

00:00 Work buddies make work awesome and bearable.

06:26 Our friendship grew online to offline through the podcast.

09:17 Navigating work friendships requires balance and awareness.

10:03 Regret losing a work friend over competition.

14:53 Company vibes really influence how open you are.

18:14 Fear of leaving strong work friendships.

21:50 Old WhatsApp group full of cherished memories.

24:00 Made great friends from work connections, surprisingly!

27:40 Respect is key when managing friends.

31:56 Became close friends in a hectic workplace.

32:53 Work friendships are cool; find your balance.

36:02 Keeping standards is tough; don't play favourites.

39:22 Balancing work friendships beyond just colleagues.

42:28 Office romance: can be good, just navigate carefully.

Hosts Bio

Lauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.

https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlauren

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/

Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjones

https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/

Mentioned in this episode:

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Work Friends: Boundaries, Confidentiality, and Career Impact

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