World Mental Health Day: Because Work is Better with Friends

Happy World Mental Health Day! As we take a moment today to shine a light on the importance of mental health, there’s something we sometimes overlook: how friendships, especially in the workplace, can play a huge role in our overall well-being. 

As lawyers and legal professionals, we’re often focused on meeting deadlines, managing cases, and delivering top-notch work. 

But what if one of the biggest keys to success - and mental health - is simply the friendships we cultivate?

Why Adult Friendships Matter

Most of us probably think back to childhood or college when we hear “friendship,” but as adults, these connections are just as important, if not more. Think about it—having close friends can provide emotional support, boost your sense of belonging, and make life more fulfilling. In the workplace, friendships take on a whole new level of importance.

Combat Loneliness and Isolation

Loneliness can creep in even when we’re surrounded by people, especially in a high-pressure profession like law. In fact, loneliness has become a widespread issue, and World Mental Health Day is the perfect time to acknowledge that. Having a few good friends at work can make all the difference, giving us that sense of belonging that we sometimes miss in the grind of our day-to-day lives.

Support During Stressful Times

The legal world is no stranger to stress—tight deadlines, client demands, and high stakes can take their toll. But when you have a friend to lean on during those tough moments, everything feels a little more manageable. Today, on World Mental Health Day, it’s a great reminder that workplace friendships can help us handle stress in a healthy way, offering a much-needed emotional lifeline.

Improved Mental and Physical Health

Friendships don’t just make us feel good—they literally improve our health! Studies show that friendships are linked to lower stress levels, better mental health, and even longer lifespans. Having someone to turn to when things get tough can act as a buffer, helping us stay resilient and mentally strong. On this World Mental Health Day, think about how those workplace connections might be quietly contributing to your well-being in powerful ways.

Enhanced Job Satisfaction and Performance

Let’s be honest: work is a lot more fun when you’ve got a friend in the office. People with close workplace friends tend to be more engaged, satisfied, and productive (and less likely to leave their organizations). It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about enjoying the journey along the way. So today, give a little shoutout to your work friends—they’re probably playing a bigger role in your happiness at work than you realize.

Better Collaboration and Teamwork

We all know that working with people you trust just makes things easier. When we have friends at work, collaboration becomes more natural, and teamwork flows more smoothly. Lawyers and legal professionals who connect on a personal level often find that their professional relationships thrive too. That’s why fostering these friendships is so important—not just for mental health but for better team dynamics and creativity.

Building Friendships in the Workplace

I know making friends as an adult - especially at work - can feel awkward. But the benefits are worth the effort, so here are a few simple ways to start building those connections:

• Initiate Conversations: Don’t be shy. Start small with casual chats during a coffee break or after a meeting, connecting over something you share in common. It’s those little conversations that often lead to deeper connections.
• Offer to Help: One of the easiest ways to build rapport is by lending a hand when you see a colleague in need. A small gesture can be the beginning of a meaningful friendship.
• Be A Bit Open and Vulnerable: It’s okay to share a bit about your personal life or struggles (in an appropriate and professional way of course). Being open and authentic helps build trust and deeper connections. And if you’re a leader, modeling this for your team creates the kind of trust and psychological safety that will improve your team’s cohesion, innovation, and results.
• Participate in Social Events: Whether it’s a firm lunch, a virtual social hour, or a team outing, take the opportunity to get to know your colleagues outside of the work context.

The Role of Friendships in Well-Being and Success

In a demanding profession like ours, friendships at work can be the difference between feeling overwhelmed and thriving. Having friends who understand the unique pressures of the legal world can make all the difference. 

Today, on World Mental Health Day, it’s a good time to recognize how these connections support not just our mental health but our ability to succeed professionally as well.

Adult friendships, especially in the workplace, aren’t just a nice bonus; they’re essential for our well-being, engagement, and long-term success. So, take a moment today to appreciate the colleagues who’ve become friends. Nurture those relationships, and you’ll find that both your professional and personal lives will flourish in ways you didn’t expect.

Let’s use this World Mental Health Day as a reminder that mental health is about more than just taking breaks or managing stress. It’s also about surrounding ourselves with the right people who lift us up every day and make coming into work a bit more fun!