Understand the difficult transition from studying to working

At university, your academic and social lives often unfold in the same place. It's practical, simple and safe. That's why it can be tough to enter a workplace where your social needs are not naturally met.

New graduates often say that they have nice and helpful colleagues, but that they feel isolated because they are not interested in things like children and gardening, but more in friends and finding a flat.

A member survey conducted by IDA shows that having at least one friend – a trusted relationship at work – significantly increases job satisfaction.

Get help creating good relationships at work here.

Be curious about your colleagues

You may not find anyone at work who is similar to you in age and interests. But it is important that you are open and throw yourself into forming relationships at your new job.

You will quickly find out that Jesper in finance often goes to Norway to climb if you ask him curiously about his interests.

Practise small talk – even about things that may not interest you. This will create a better social working environment, not least for your own benefit.

Be open about yourself

Give something of yourself. Show who you are and what your interests are. That way, others in the company who are interested in the same things can recognise themselves in you, and it can be the start of a good relationship.

If you are a reserved person, choose one or two people to whom you can gradually open up. Once you feel comfortable with them, choose two more.

Step by step, you will build a network in the company and establish good relationships.

Be realistic in your expectations of your colleagues

You probably won't find your new best friend at work, someone you can go on holiday, out on the town and shopping with. But you can easily find good colleagues with whom you can laugh and talk about things other than work.

Consider to what extent and how you need relationships at work.

Your good colleagues are important both for your well-being and for highlighting your achievements. They can help to emphasise what you are good at to your boss.

Cultivate multiple relationships

Avoid isolating yourself with one colleague.

Even if one of your new colleagues seems very happy to be with you, make sure you don't cling to him or her, even if you feel like doing so as a newcomer. It isolates you and makes you vulnerable. What if that person suddenly changes jobs?

Instead, make sure you get to know everyone and build several good relationships across the organisation. That way, you will thrive.