How to Deal When a Favorite Coworker Quits

Since you spend the majority of each week at work, forming bonds with others in the workplace is natural. Consider yourself particularly lucky if you found a coworker with common interests and who you can now call a true friend. Unfortunately, things change in the workplace and employees often quit. If a close coworker friends is the one currently leaving the company, you may be feeling a little disoriented. The following are four tips for dealing with the departure in the best manner.

Form Other Friendships

A great way to deal with the departure of a coworker friend is to begin forming other friendships in the workplace. Your previous close bond with the coworker who quit may have actually been holding you back from getting to know others in your department. By learning more about other coworkers now, the department may not have as strong of an impact.

Review Your Job

Are you sad because a favorite coworker left or are you bitter because you weren’t the first one to leave the company? When a coworker friend announces the intention to quit, assess your job as well. Think about such things as if you will be happy in the workplace even after they’re gone and also whether you truly enjoy the job that you’re in. If the only link previously tying you to the workplace was the friendship, this may be the time for you to look for other jobs as well.

Work Harder

Those employees with close friendships at work are sometimes less productive. This often happens because coworker friends may find themselves socializing and gossiping at points during the workday rather than remaining focused on work projects. If your work performance was slipping due to your tight workplace bonds, the departure of a coworker friend can be the perfect chance to rededicate yourself to the job.

Restructure the Friendship

After being around your coworker friend for nearly eight hours each workday, you may be left feeling a little disoriented after they leave the company. You may be also left wondering how your friendship will move forward in the wake of such a drastic shift. While you likely won’t be communicating as much with the coworker friend after the employment change, this needn’t be the end of your friendship. Rather, think of it as an opportunity to restructure the friendship by finding ways to socialize outside of the work environment.

Forming friendships in the workplace is important but you mustn’t allow those friendships to consume your job outlook. Rather than panicking about being left behind by a coworker who is quitting, consider this an opportunity to change your working situation. Whether you form bonds with other coworkers or also decide to leave the company, make changes that will bring the most benefits while also allowing you to cope with the friend’s departure.

Author Bio: Shayla Ebsen is a full-time freelance writer and graphic designer with more than seven years combined experience from her time in the corporate world and through her freelance work. Shayla’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in News/Editorial Journalism from South Dakota State University and a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Organizational Communication from the University of South Dakota. Learn more about Shayla and her services at shaylaebsen.com.