How To Navigate Cliques at Work

Workplace cliques — those tight-knit groups that seem to do everything together — can pop up in any office environment. Though some cliques at work can be harmless or even beneficial, others might foster an "us vs. them" mentality that makes you feel like you're living a real-life dramatization of Mean Girls.

If a cliquey "in" group is making it tough for you to focus and build meaningful connections at work, you can use these tips to not only improve your work experience, but also ensure that everyone feels included — even you. Ready to handle your workplace clique with grace while keeping your professional reputation intact? This article has everything you need to know.

What Are Workplace Cliques?

Workplace cliques are groups of colleagues who socialize within a small group, often at the exclusion of others. They might frequently sit together, take breaks together, and spend time together outside of work.

Though it's totally normal for people to gravitate toward coworkers who make them feel safe, and it's great to build strong relationships in the workplace, it can create a host of issues when it happens at the exclusion of others. Unfortunately, this is more common than you might think.

Research shows that 75% of employees have felt left out or excluded at work. It also reveals that cliques can create a toxic atmosphere, which can affect how your team is able to focus and work together. On the other hand, 81% of employees who report an inclusive work environment are happier and more productive.

When a workplace clique has a clear "in" and "out" group dynamic, it can erode those collaborative vibes that you and your teammates work so hard to create. For example, these groups may leave you and others out of important conversations, meetings, or social gatherings. Even though it could be unintentional, this exclusion from cliques at work can feel awful and stir up feelings of animosity.

Work cultures that are truly inclusive make it a point to engage and support everyone — not only a select and privileged few. When you understand how these workplace cliques affect you and your team, however, you can help set the example for your peers and work to create a more productive and harmonious work environment. A bit of knowledge on your part can also help you prevent misunderstandings and reduce potential conflicts that arise from exclusion or favoritism, making it easier for you to be part of the solution.

When Cliques Can Be Problematic

How do you know if a tight-knit group at work is causing harm? If you and your coworkers consistently feel on the outs or the subject of ridicule, chances are this group isn't acting in your or everyone else's favor.

Other clues to be mindful of include:

• Lower productivity: Cliques at work tend to socialize mostly within their group, often leading to lengthy conversations, inside jokes, and side discussions during work hours. When you demonstrate an inclusive work environment, on the other hand, you can prevent feelings of isolation, reduce stress, and improve your motivation.
• Divisions within your team: When workplace cliques create a division within your team, it makes collaborating harder because those within the clique may prioritize their internal relationships over the needs of others. People outside the clique might feel disconnected or less willing to share ideas openly. Try bridging these gaps and strengthening communication to prevent the fear of exclusion or judgment.
• Blatant exclusion or discrimination: Cliques often form based on shared interests, backgrounds, or personalities. If you're on the outside of the clique, you may feel marginalized or ignored in conversations, whether it's intentional or not. Emphasize the value of considering different perspectives and treating people as equals, not as outsiders based on superficial differences.
• Negative behaviors: Members of cliques at work might feel superior as a group, leading to behaviors such as gossiping or bullying. To maintain the group's exclusivity or bond over a shared dislike for someone else, members might spread rumors or undermine them in other ways. Discourage this "groupthink" by focusing on positivity and teamwork, which will encourage clique members to table their sense of entitlement.

When Cliques Can Be Beneficial

Not all workplace cliques negatively affect you and your team. In fact, some "in" groups can strengthen your team and create a more supportive workplace culture. These groups tend to include others, encourage diverse viewpoints, and contribute positively to team dynamics and morale in a highly supportive environment.

Cliques at work have a positive impact when they:

• Encourage collaboration: When a clique forms around shared work objectives or professional interests, collaboration becomes easier. This type of collaboration leads to more effective teamwork and greater productivity.
• Support inclusion: Helpful cliques recognize that welcoming different perspectives strengthens their team, and they actively bring others into their circle. They appreciate and recognize diversity as essential for innovation and problem-solving.
• Boost morale: If a work group offers support, encouragement, and friendship, it can help boost your wellbeing. When people are happy at work, they're more engaged, less likely to experience burnout, and more inclined to contribute to a positive work environment.

Tightknit workplace cliques can also promote better communication and innovation within your team. When members feel safe to share feedback and ideas, everyone benefits.

Types of Workplace Cliques and How to Identify Them

Though workplace cliques aren't always an issue, it's helpful to be familiar with the types of cliques that could be at play within your office. This list will help you be mindful of the different dynamics you could be up against and help you navigate cliques at work accordingly:

• Social cliques: These are the groups that bond over personal interests and socialize outside of work. They might also share inside jokes or personal stories that others are not privy to, possibly causing feelings of exclusion. On the other hand, their camaraderie can also serve as an inspiration for others to build deeper connections at work.
• Project-based cliques: Some cliques form around specific projects or tasks. These may be temporary and dissolve once the project is complete, but they typically focus on collaboration in some way. For example, they might have separate meetings or discussions and may be less open to input from those outside their immediate team. However, if they can promote inclusive brainstorming sessions or cross-team meetings, they have a great opportunity to extend their innovative spirit to the broader organization.
• Seniority-based cliques: Employees who have been with the company for a long time have shared experiences, including a deep familiarity with the company’s history and culture. They might give off an air of superiority, reminisce about past events, and make decisions without asking for others’ input. But, when they share their longstanding insights with the entire team, their contributions can further enrich your company culture.
• Departmental cliques: Groups often form within specific teams or departments, especially when their frequent interaction and working toward shared goals creates tighter bonds. Sometimes this close-knit nature and reluctance to interact with other departments can hamper team-building strategies and come off as competitiveness. When done right though, these groups can help bridge company-wide gaps and build a more unified culture.
• Popularity cliques: Often centered around one or more influential employees whom others look up to or follow, these workplace cliques can be identified by observing who holds sway in decision-making or social settings (often a leader or senior staff member). They are also typically the center of everyone’s attention and might exclude others to preserve their influential status. However, these cliques have an opportunity to use their leadership status to inspire others and provide valuable direction.
• Know-it-all cliques: A know-it-all coworker might use workplace discussions as opportunities to show off their knowledge and outshine others rather than maintain a spirit of collaboration. They might also offer unsolicited advice and try to assert their authority. If you need to know how to deal with a know-it-all clique, try refusing to engage or react to their loftiness, which can take the wind out of their pretentious sails. But, as always, there is room for a positive outcome. You can also acknowledge that your coworkers’ insights can spark learning opportunities for others.

Overcoming the Challenges of Cliques at Work

Now that you understand more about the different workplace cliques and what makes them tick, how can you navigate this delicate social landscape at work? As a colleague, there are things you can do to contribute to a positive environment:

1. Be Inclusive and Build Broader Connections

The first and most basic thing you can do is set a good example for your coworkers by refusing to promote or be part of your workplace cliques. For example, you can invite people on your team to meet for coffee or lunch and help them feel welcome. This can reduce feelings of isolation and help you build stronger bonds.

You can also:

• Improve your active listening skills: Hearing out your coworkers without making assumptions or interrupting them can encourage everyone to open up to you. This can also help them feel respected and valued.
• Celebrate people's differences: When you appreciate people's unique backgrounds, perspectives, and working styles, it empowers people to be themselves. There is so much you can learn from one another's experiences, so encouraging diversity is key.
• Demonstrate empathy: Everyone has their good and bad days in the office. By showing that you care, even if the cliques at work don't, you will set the example that offering support can help build stronger connections.

2. Avoid Gossip and Negativity

Gossip can damage trust and create a toxic work environment. If someone tries to gossip, steer the conversation back to work-related topics or discourage the behavior by expressing discomfort with spreading rumors.

You can acknowledge the person's point of view and shift the conversation to a more positive tone by saying something like, "I understand you're frustrated, but maybe we can figure out a solution together." This shows you care but are unwilling to play into their unhelpful behavior.

3. Find Your Support System

Having a support system at work is important for both your professional and personal well-being. It can help you feel more:

• emotionally stable
• motivated at your job
• positive with your outlook
• satisfied with your work

Building a support system at work is all about reaching out, collaborating with others, and networking. For example, you can:

• Check in with your colleagues, both formally and informally, to keep the lines of communication open.
• Assist others with their tasks, which can lead to reciprocal support.
• Seek mentors in your field who can offer guidance and advice on your professional challenges.
• Participate in groups or lunch gatherings to build relationships outside of work.

4. Empower Yourself as an Individual

You don't need to be part of cliques at work to succeed at work. You are more than capable of taking the necessary actions to drive your own career.

To empower yourself in the workplace:

• Focus on your own performance. Set specific and measurable goals for yourself, such as completing a challenging project ahead of schedule or improving a key skill. This will help you take pride in delivering high-quality results, plus it gives you the opportunity to showcase your expertise.
• Seek out professional development opportunities. When you can, attend workshops, online courses, or seminars that enhance your skills. Learn about a new software, enroll in a leadership development program, or study industry trends to stay ahead.
• Set personal career goals. Create a roadmap of where you want to be in one to five years. Break these goals down into actionable steps, such as applying for a promotion, acquiring certifications, or networking with industry leaders.
• Keep a journal of your successes and milestones. This helps you reflect on what you've achieved and how you've overcome past challenges to reinforce your sense of capability.

5. Maintain Professionalism and Respectful Boundaries

When navigating workplace cliques, keep a professional and respectful attitude to reduce the negative impact these cliques can have on your work environment. This helps you keep focused on your work and personal integrity. Plus, it will be easier for you to build a reputation for fairness and maturity and gain the respect of both your peers and superiors.

Here's how to achieve it:

• Keep interactions work-related. If you're being lured into clique-related conversations, steer the discussion back toward work-related topics. For instance, if a clique is gossiping about a coworker, shift the focus to a project or deadline instead of participating in or encouraging gossip.
• Avoid participating in exclusionary behaviors. If you notice that cliques at work exclude certain colleagues from team lunches or conversations, try to include everyone when planning group activities. Be more intentional about inviting colleagues who might be left out.
• Set boundaries with your manager if they are part of a clique. If your manager is part of a clique, maintain a professional relationship by focusing on your performance and project deliverables rather than trying to align yourself with their social circle. Keep conversations with them focused on work and your career development only.
• Limit personal conversations in professional spaces. When interacting with colleagues who are part of cliques, avoid diving into personal or overly informal discussions, especially during meetings or work hours. Stay polite and friendly but keep your personal matter just that: personal.
• Respect and communicate your own boundaries. Don't feel pressured to attend every social gathering or event organized by a clique, especially if it interferes with your work-life balance. Politely decline after-hours hangouts if it doesn't align with your personal commitments, stating that you have other obligations.
• Stay neutral in workplace conflicts. If cliques are involved in workplace disputes, remain neutral and avoid taking sides. Focus on facts and your professional responsibilities rather than getting involved in workplace drama or picking a side.

Find a Better-Fit Work Environment

When all else fails, move on to a company with a culture that aligns better with your values. Start your search now and join Monster for free to discover the latest job postings that fit your career aspirations and skills. Simply upload your resume to our database so recruiters can reach out to you directly.