How to Work with Friends or Family Members

How to Work with Friends or Family Members Working at the same company as your best friend or sibling might sound amazing you get to spend your 9-to-5 with someone whos already close to you. Its not always that simple, though. You may have days when your sisters habit of cracking herbei knuckles is driving you up the wall, or friend group drama means you dont want to binnensee your friend outside the sekretariat, much less inside.If that happens, you might think, How am I going to survive this situation without losing it?There are steps you can take, though, to ensure that your relationship with a coworker whos also friends or family stays strong.1. Set Conversational BoundariesSit down with your coworker and make a list of the things you wont talk about while at work, whether in part, through text, or over Slack. That way, youll keep from distracting each other.For example, maybe you work with your brother, and your father isnt in very good health. It stresses out both you and your brother, and you realize that if you talk about your dads condition at work, youll get too worried to focus. You and your brother decide that youll only discuss your father outside of work unless theres an emergency.Make sure to also list the positive, funny things that throw you off your groove. When I came to work for Clutch, a friend from college already worked here. We initially distracted each other by talking nonstop about all the podcasts we listened to. Eventually, we decided to cut down on the podcast chatter in order to get more done.2. Find Backup BuddiesIt may be tempting to invest all your social energy at work into your friend or family member. After all, youve already known that person for a while. However, that mindset will prevent you from making meaningful friendships in the workplace.During lunch and breaks, make a conscious effort to talk to other people. If you start to develop a rapport with a few coworkers, ask them to get drinks or coffee with you to strength en that bond. If you run into problems during the workday, or get to collaborate on a project, turn to someone other than your friend or family.That way, youll still have people you enjoy being around if your pal leaves the office, calls in sick, or rubs you the wrong way.3. Dont Hang Out Too Much Outside of WorkTry to diversify your social life outside of work, not just inside it. Say you work at the same office as your best friend that doesnt mean your friend should always be your go-to mann an ihrer seite for going out, seeing movies, or getting brunch, to name a few activities. Part of developing a healthy network of relationships means spending time with multiple people, not only your favorite pal.Lets say that a museum downtown has a new exhibit thats getting rave reviews. Youre free this weekend, so you pick up your phone to text your best friend in the next office over about going to the exhibit. Stop before you do that, though as wonderful as your best friend is, you see h im all the time. Try reaching out to other friends you dont get to see as much, or new friends you want to get to know better.After all, one of the perks of a strong friendship is that your best pal will always be there for you. Youll see him on Monday (and Tuesday, and Wednesday).4. Have Patience with Each OtherYou and your close friend or family member spend a lot of time together if youre also coworkers. People in close proximity often push each others buttons, so try to be patient and remember that your father doesnt mean to make you grit your teeth when he interrupts you at meetings.Instead, be gentle with him. Hes close to you for a reason. Take time to clear your head, and then bring up your problem to him the same way youd address it with any coworker.Working in the same space as those you love isnt always easy, but its a unique opportunity to make something alongside a person who already understands you deeply. Setting boundaries, being forgiving, and remembering to laugh a re all key to making a friendship or family relationship rewarding, both in the office and at home.--Elizabeth Ballou is a content marketer atClutch, a research, ratings, and reviews company in Washington, D.C. She writes aboutdigital marketing. When shes not working, shes listening to too many podcasts and reviewing theater and video games for various media outlets.