After an eight hour workday, the last thing you probably want to do is spend even more time with your coworkers outside the office. While there are some risks, there are also some undeniable benefits to socializing (both during and after hours) with the people you work with.
Work holiday parties get everyone talking
- Strengthens Communication Skills
Being part of a creative team requires open communication. Spending more time socializing with our coworkers leads us to become more comfortable with them. This is turn allows for more open communication and natural brainstorming and creative thinking sessions.
- Better Collaboration
When we deepen our bond with coworkers by meeting up outside the office, we can strengthen the team inside the office. Instead of a meeting where one person emerges as the dominant leader, everyone is sharing information, opinions and ideas freely. As a result, original and fresh solutions to design problems can be discovered.
Unwind after work by grabbing some drinks at Happy Hour
- Job Satisfaction
When we make positive connections with our coworkers, work becomes more enjoyable. Genuine encouragement and recognition from our peers fosters a sense of pride and happiness in the work that we do.
- Increased Productivity
It seems counter-intuitive, but socializing during and after work hours can actually help boost productivity at work. In the office, we are all working towards a common goal. Our work friends can motivate us to be the best of ourselves and to produce our best work.
Group activities can help strengthen the team.
- Improved Work Culture
Knowing those we work with on a more personal level strengthens the team overall. We rejoice in each others’ triumphs and push one another to succeed. These things, while seemingly insignificant, make the company culture stronger, which in turn strengthens the company itself.