Once you’ve been working in a salon or spa for a while, it’s natural to build relationships with your co-workers. It’s great to have other people to hang out with that “get” what you do, your stresses, etc. but sometimes friendships can get messy.

Becoming friendly with co-works can be a tricky thing. On one hand, having friendships in the workplace can increase morale, productivity and give us the confidence to do our very best. On the other hand, if things go estranged from the relationships then it can have just the opposite effects. We can find ourselves not wanting to go to work, adding unnecessary stress to our day, and the worst-case scenario: it can bring unwanted drama into the workplace, making it uncomfortable for the entire team. Here's how to find the balance between best work friend and best real-world friend.

1. Take your time– Just like any other friendship, it takes time to foster new relationships. Avoid rushing into new friendships by sharing too much of your personal life. Slowly let others into your life, with an increasing amount of trust.

2. Remember why you’re there- You have a job to perform while you’re at the salon or spa. Stay focused on performing your job to the best of your abilities. Don’t let workplace friendships be a distraction from servicing your customers.

3. Handle work friendships breakups professionally- Just like any other relationship, you will have your ups and downs. If something happens to your friendship it’s important you remain professional. Any negative energy between you can be felt by your co-works and more importantly by the salon/spa guests. Put a little distance between the two of you is a good idea. Whatever you do, don't feed into the drama. It will just make life tougher for you, in and out of the salon.

Building and fostering positive healthy workplace relationships is a win-win for you and your co-workers. Taking the time to build healthy workplace friendships can certainly make going to work more enjoyable and more productive, but remember to step away if things go sour. Always, always be the bigger person, for the sake of your career.

Photo: Shutterstock | Jacob Lund

Breaking It Down

This post talked about the fine line between professional relationships and real-world friendships and how listening and decision-making play roles. Here are two tools that can help you fine-tune these skills:

Active Listening Online Class
Skills like active listening (actually listen to understand, not just respond) can apply to both co-workers and client interactions. Use this easy-to-follow online class to master intentional listening.

Effective Decision Making Online Class
Whether you're solving problems or breaking down communication barriers, this online class can help you make the best decisions when it comes to working with your salon or spa teammates and clients.