Workplace Relationships ~ Groups versus Cliques

Tightly knit groups of friends can form anywhere and if you are working fulltime in an office setting or “team” environment you’re apt to form close bonds. The friendships that are formed at work can be a “double edged sword.” They can lead to higher productivity or they can become counter-productive. Employers need to be cognizant of exclusivity. When certain employees are left out whole company suffers. But as an employee you need to make conscientious efforts to form workplace friendships.

There is a world of difference between a group of “work” friends and a workplace clique. In my observation of workplace cliques, I equate the mentality of a clique to that of Junior High school. Within a clique there is always a dominant personality that runs the clique and solely for the benefit of themselves. For instance Alice, Bill and Carol have a strong relationship. Donna is a new employee. Bill and Carol welcome Donna. However, Alice takes an immediate dislike to Donna. Now, Bill and Carol who were initially welcoming towards Donna turn their backs upon her at Alice’s will due to an illogical loyalty. Cliques are dominated by gossip and complaining. They can become an energy drain for the entire company.

As employer’s, we cannot dictate friendships but harassment should never be tolerated. You as the employer or supervisor are obligated to set the tone of the environment, for both ethical and financial reasons. As an employee handling a clique is easily dealt with. Realizing that everyone likes to “belong”, you still have to remember that you are at work to perform a job. Unfortunately, within this world it is inevitable that undermining and insecure people exist. If you have to triple check your work and cover your back, oh well, that’s the nature of the beast. When a clique comes at you, fight back by ignoring it or catch them completely off guard by being forthright Going to your supervisor should be a last resort, and even then the complaint must be over something specific and clearly harmful to your productivity.

You should seek out a group. These are people who want to help each other to the next level of skill or knowledge. This type of group is important to the company because the people within this group are contributing to a positive environment and tend to be constructive.

That fact is that you spend the majority of your life at work. Makes sense that having a few positive “work” friends will make life happier all around. If you are new to the job, you can’t expect to be welcomed “in” immediately. Take time to watch and learn. Get to know people and their interests. You are sure to find some common ground. Make an effort to reach out to people, you don’t have to sit and wait to be invited to lunch. Don’t be afraid to initiate an invitation.