1. Catch and Keep Names

Catching all your new coworker’s names is important. It helps you get to know everyone sooner. But remembering names isn’t something that comes easily to everyone. If it doesn’t come easily to you, no worries. You can help yourself to remember by using memory tricks. Come up with something to tell yourself about each new person you’re meeting, such as “Cindy is friendly” or “Haley is happy.” You’ll be surprised how a small rhyming phrase helps the name stick.

2. Observe Carefully

While you do want friends at work, you don’t want the wrong friends. For this reason, take your time easing into friendships. It’s much easier than trying to back out of a friendship that you see isn’t good for you or your career later. Take your time observing others and decide if they’re people you want to pursue a friendship with. This can keep you out of office drama and gossip, two things you don’t want to find yourself in.

3. Truly Take an Interest in Your Coworkers

We all love when someone expresses a genuine interest in us. It makes us want to open up and allow them to get to know us. If you express a genuine interest in your coworkers then you can expect them to be positive toward you. Be a good listener and conversationalist. Allow them to share about whatever they want to talk about and you’ll be fast friends.

4. Let Them Get to Know You

You have to be open to others as well as them being open to you for a friendship to occur. Two-way conversations are how friendships are made. This doesn’t mean you have to share everything, though. Some things should remain off limits in an office setting but friendships are still possible.

5. Celebrate Special Days

Doing a little something special for your coworkers can make their day and endear you to their heart. It doesn’t have to be anything big. But if you know it’s their birthday, pick up a card or a hand lotion for their desk. Just a small gift can make them smile while sending out the message that you want to be friends. You could also do this for them at other times just because you’ve noticed they’ve been a down lately.

6. Come Bearing Gifts

Okay, they’re not really gifts. But you can’t argue with the fact that everyone loves the person who brings yummy treats to the office. Homemade cinnamon rolls, donuts or even a fruit salad all go over wonderfully. It could even be a conversation starter for you. Be prepared to give out recipes if your goodies are homemade.

7. Relax

Don’t put more pressure on yourself by stressing over if you’re making friends. Sometimes it just takes awhile to find your place in a new situation. The workplace is definitely one of them. Giving it time and relaxing while you wait is one of the best things you can do. When you’re relaxed, you’re more approachable and likable.

These are 7 tips to help you make friends when you’re new in an office. Have you been in this situation? You’re welcome to share about your experience.