Why Your Co-Workers Are Not Your Friends

Introduction

• Employment lawyer in Seattle, Washington, representing workers in lawsuits against employers
• Experience has shown that co-workers who are thought to be friends often aren't when it matters
• The lecture covers four reasons why co-workers are not your friends
• The number one reason will be shared at the end, based on a recent case

Reason 1: Working Relationships are Situational

• Co-workers are not chosen, but assigned by the employer
• Most co-worker relationships end once you leave the job
• Working relationships feel strong due to constant interaction but often fall apart when not in the same environment
• These relationships are dictated by the employer and task assignments
• Friendships formed at work often fail under stress or when tested

Reason 2: Self-Preservation Over Friendship

• People work to earn money, not necessarily to make friends
• During HR investigations, self-preservation becomes a priority
• Co-workers may not support you to avoid risking their own job
• Example: A harassment case where co-workers did not back up the complainant to avoid trouble
• Some may even side with the employer to get in their good graces

Reason 3: Competition

• Workplaces involve competition for higher positions and better pay
• Competitive environments can strain genuine connections
• Co-workers may use confidential information against you to improve their standing
• Important to be cautious about what you share with co-workers

Reason 4: Legal Claims

• Co-worker friendships deteriorate when legal claims are involved
• If co-workers are still employed by the company, their loyalty will likely be with the employer
• Co-workers will not risk their livelihood to support a colleague's claim
• Example: A co-worker testified against the speaker's client and divulged confidential information

Conclusion

• Summary of the top four reasons why co-workers are not friends
• Mention of another video about why HR is not your friend
• Encouragement to like and follow the channel for more content about worker protections and employer accountability
• Sign-off until next time