Should you friend your colleagues on Facebook, or should you not? A true 21st century struggle indeed. Like a typical millennial, I immediately went to Google to see if there was a simple solution to this question, and as you can imagine there was. Literally the entire first page of Google results consisted of articles full of reasons why you shouldn’t be friends with your colleagues on Facebook. Naturally, as I’ve never been quite good at following rules, I am friends with my colleagues on Facebook (well, some of them). I personally think it’s fun to see their outside lives, and I know they feel the same way.
I took to Twitter to see if many of you were friends with your colleagues or not. Not that my Twitter poll should be considered great statistical data by any means, but to give you an idea of what others had to say, 74% said that they are friends with colleagues on Facebook, whereas only 26% said they are not. Twitter has spoken. We are friending colleagues on Facebook, and here are some reasons why.
- Colleagues are your friends
It’s only natural that you’re going to become friends with at least one of your colleagues. As you spend the majority of your week at the office, I truly hope you have a friend. If you’re friends with someone, you’re most likely friends with them on Facebook as well, it just makes sense.
- Build Bonds
If you can see your colleague’s personal life, there’s a great chance that you’re going to feel a closer bond with them than someone who you’re not Facebook friends with. You can see what they did over the weekend, you can see personal milestones in their lives, and more. Assuming it’s appropriate content, all of this can be great conversation starters.
- Networking
Everywhere and everything is a networking opportunity – Facebook included. You never know who they may be friends with that they can connect you to!
- Increasing your friends list
Social media can be a numbers game, Facebook included. I’m not talking about how you’re “popular” if you have a lot of friends (please don’t give in to that misconception), but because you extend your reach. For instance, when you post something, there’s a better chance that more people will see it if you have a larger audience (Facebook algorithm excluded).
- Side Hustle
How does side hustle fit into this? For a similar reason as above. If you have a side hustle, there’s a great chance you’re sharing links to this on all social media, Facebook included. If you are friends with your colleagues on Facebook, they are part of the audience that will see your side hustle.
Keep in mind that office culture does play a part in whether it’s okay to friend colleagues or not. Additionally, some companies may even have social media guidelines you have to adhere you. Be sure to figure out the vibe and culture of the office, and remember not to feel obliged to accept everyone’s friend request. However, also don’t feel insulted if someone doesn’t accept your friend request. There are no mandatory Facebook rules that say you have to accept all requests. If this happens, don’t take it seriously, it’s just Facebook after all!
