The school year has come to an end, and sadly, you have to say “good-bye” to some of you old coworkers. Either they are taking a job somewhere else, or maybe you are the one moving on to greener pasters. Our friends can scatter across the globe for various reasons – pursuing education, better career opportunities, or even personal growth. No matter the reason, you are leaving precious friendships behind.

While physical distance may separate us, the bond of friendship can remain strong and vibrant with a little effort and intention. Here are some valuable tips on how to maintain a long-distance friendship and nurture it for years to come:

Clear Communication:

Frequent and transparent communication is the cornerstone of any successful long-distance friendship. (Marriage too, but 🤷🏾‍♀️that’s a topic for another post.) So, to maintain a healthy relationship with your former coworkers you can utilize a variety of communication tools such as text messages, phone calls, video chats, and social media platforms to keep each other updated about your lives. And, this will help you to hold on to those bonds.

Scheduled Check-Ins:

Oh, my gosh! Find the time to do anything while you are working full-time can seem like a chore. So, like any good relationships, you have to put in the effort to maintain it. And, doing regular check-ins is another way to ensure that you to maintain a healthy relationship with your former coworkers. Set a regular time for catch-up sessions. This could be a weekly video call or a monthly phone call. Knowing that you have a designated time to connect can strengthen the bond and give you both something to look forward to.

Share Experiences:

Even though you’re apart, you can still share experiences. Watch the same movie or read the same book and discuss it afterwards. This can be sort of like your own personal online book club meet-up. 0This creates a sense of connection and shared memories. And, it certainly doesn’t hurt to share “war stories” and victories from work. These can often be funny, and they can help you to enjoy a form of self-care while still maintaining a good relationship with your former coworkers.

Hangouts/Meet-Ups

It may sound like something only teens would do, but you can (And, you should) hang-out with your former coworkers. If you can’t meet in person, then organize a virtual hangout or game night where you can engage in activities together, even from a distance. Online games, virtual escape rooms, or cooking challenges can provide opportunities for shared fun and laughter.

Celebrate Milestones:

Don’t let distance stop you from celebrating each other’s achievements and milestones. Send a heartfelt message, a gift, or a surprise video message on special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or job promotions.

Social media can provide a wonderful opportunity to do this. I know I’m guilty of forgetting some of these special events. But, some social media platforms will send you notifications when it is one of your former coworkers birthday or other special event.

Open and Honest Conversations:

Keep the lines of communication open by discussing your feelings and concerns. If something is bothering you, share it with your friend. Honesty and vulnerability build trust and deepen your connection. And, distance may actually be your friend in this instance. Because your former coworker isn’t physically “there”, you may feel more comfortable sharing certain information with them. This will allow you to be more open about what is really going on with you and/or your job.

Shared Interests:

Another way to maintain a healthy relationship with your former coworkers is to continue to share interests. Identify and nurture shared interests. One of the things that drew you together is your shared interest or views on an issue. Nurture this interest. Whether it’s a hobby, a passion for a particular sport, or a love for a specific type of cuisine, engaging in these activities together from a distance can provide common ground for conversations.

Travel Plans:

If possible, plan occasional visits to each other’s locations. Meeting in person can solidify your bond and create cherished memories. Yes, it may be difficult with work…with family…with the many other obligations we all have. However, even if the visits are infrequent, they can be highly rewarding.

Stay Updated on Their Life:

Ask about your friend’s daily life, challenges, and triumphs. Show genuine interest in their experiences and actively listen. This demonstrates your commitment to maintain your friendship with your former coworkers. And, it can help you stay connected on a deeper level.

Be Flexible:

Understand that life gets busy, time zones can be tricky, and circumstances change. Can I get an “Amen”?! Be flexible with your communication patterns and recognize that there might be periods of reduced contact without any ill intent.

Surprise Gestures:

Most of us love an occasional surprise. So, surprise you former coworkers with a thoughtful gestures. Send them a surprise package, a handwritten letter, or a digital playlist that reminds them of your time together. Remember good relationships take thoughtfulness and effort. Make the effort to surprise and delight your former pals.

Stay Positive and Patient:

Long-distance friendships can have their challenges but staying positive and patient is crucial. Trust that your friendship can weather the distance and that your efforts will pay off in the long run.

One of the hardest things for me when leaving an old job and starting a new one, has always been letting go of my work friends/work family. Thankfully, there are ways in which you can keep those ties strong. In today’s digital age, the world is more interconnected than ever before. With determination, effort, and the right strategies, maintaining a long-distance friendship can be both rewarding and fulfilling. Remember, distance may separate you physically, but the emotional closeness you share can endure across the miles.