How Often Should You Contact a Coworker?
Updated June 2026
Coworkers are the relationships most people take for granted while they're nearby and lose entirely once someone leaves — even though former colleagues become one of the most valuable parts of a professional network.
This guide is part of our Professional contact-frequency guides.
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Keep In Touch reminds you to reach out, tracks every interaction, and keeps birthdays from slipping by — on a schedule you set.
Start for freeRecommended frequency
Every 2–4 weeks
With current coworkers, a non-work touchpoint every few weeks builds real rapport. With ones who've moved on, a check-in every quarter keeps a relationship that can lead to references, opportunities, and rehires.
Why this relationship matters
Today's coworker is tomorrow's hiring manager, reference, or co-founder. The casual relationship you build now is what makes those future connections natural rather than cold.
Signs you're losing touch
- You only talk about active tasks
- You lose contact the moment one of you changes jobs
- You'd feel awkward asking a former colleague for a reference
A simpler way to keep in touch
Set a cadence for each person and let Keep In Touch nudge you at the right time. Free to start, no credit card.
Start for freeSuggested reminder cadence
- A non-work touchpoint every few weeks while colleagues
- A quarterly check-in once they've moved on
- Connect on a professional network
An example schedule
An occasional coffee or non-work chat with current coworkers, and a quarterly check-in with the ones who've left.
Common mistakes
- Keeping every interaction strictly task-focused
- Letting departures end the relationship
- Only reaching out when you need a job
Frequently asked questions
How do I stay in touch with former coworkers?
A genuine check-in every quarter keeps the relationship warm — share news, congratulate them on moves, and stay connected professionally. Don't let the first time you reach out be when you need something.
How often should I connect with coworkers outside of work tasks?
Every few weeks for a non-work chat or coffee builds rapport that makes collaboration easier and keeps the relationship alive after either of you moves on.
Track this relationship with Keep In Touch
Add the people who matter, set how often you want to reconnect, and get gentle reminders when it is time to reach out.
Start for freeRelated reading
How Often Should You Contact a Client? How often should you follow up with clients? A practical guide to contact cadence by client type, the signs a relationship is cooling, and a reminder schedule that retains business. How Often Should You Contact a Mentor? How often should you contact a mentor? A practical guide to staying on their radar without overstepping, plus a simple reminder cadence. How Often Should You Contact Your Manager? How often should you communicate with your manager? A practical guide to the right cadence of one-on-ones and updates that build trust without micromanaging upward. How Often Should You Contact a Prospect? How often should you follow up with a prospect? A practical guide to follow-up cadence that wins deals without being pushy, and a simple reminder schedule. Personal CRM for Individuals: What It Is and How to Use One What a personal CRM is, why ordinary people (not just salespeople) need one, a simple framework for using it, and how to choose a system that keeps relationships alive. How Often Should You Contact a Friend? A practical guide to how often you should reach out to a friend, the signs you are drifting apart, and a simple reminder schedule that keeps friendships alive.