R.I. Dunbar states that “Analyses of freely forming conversations indicate that approximately two-thirds of conversation time is devoted to social topics, most of which can be given the generic label gossip” (2004). This gossip is what you need to get connected to in your workplace, and you can find it by making friends at your job. Take co-workers out to lunch or, better yet, go for drinks after work.
When you are with your co-workers, you should listen more than you talk. Your co-workers can tell you things like which bosses are mean, which coworkers will stab you in the back, and which men are sexual harassers. This gossip will also tell you who has power in the organization. For example, often a personal assistant controls access to the President, so it is important to be kind to them.
More than just providing gossip, friends at work also increase your well-being. Remember that work is not just about doing your job but getting along with your co-workers. Modern organizations are built around teamwork, but more importantly, people who report that they consider a co-worker their best friend are much more likely to also report that they love their job.