12 Simple Steps On How To Build Stronger Relationships In The Workplace

If you know how to build stronger relationships with your co-workers, you, my friend, have a head start. Knowing how to do it is a key element for well-being in a work setting. After all, we spend 8 hours a day at our workplace. It’s only natural to build good relationships with our colleagues because it makes work more pleasant. Also, it boosts motivation and productivity. 

 

The question is, what should we do to build healthy relationships with co-workers?

 

Surely you know what it’s like to work in an office devoid of good relationships between colleagues. It doesn’t take a genius to notice it. A cordial, nice, and friendly workplace is on a whole other level. This happens everywhere.

 

However, some consider the workspace not as a place to make friends, but solely as a place to show and develop skills, and complete company goals. Many others say they don’t need their colleagues to carry out their work properly, which is completely false. 

 

Studies show that the work environment has a direct impact on productivity. 

Why is building stronger relationships important in the workplace?

Human beings are social creatures by nature. And when you consider that we spend a third of our lives at work, it is clear that good relationships with colleagues will make our work more enjoyable.

Having a strong circle will also help you develop your career, opening up opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

 

How to build healthy relationships

 

Although you should try to build good working relationships with everyone, some deserve special attention. For instance, the relationship between a boss and an employee. Gallup found that a manager alone can account for up to 70% of a team’s commitment.

 

Regular one-on-one allows managers to build relationships with employees. In these updates, you can show how an individual’s work fits into the “big picture” of the organization. You can also understand their strengths and help them identify areas for development.

 

You can also explore upward management. Then, you can analyze how your own manager prefers to work, anticipates your needs, and adapts your approach to a more fluid relationship.

 

You will also benefit from developing good working relationships with key stakeholders. These are the people who have a stake in your success or failure, such as customers, suppliers, and your team. Forming a bond with them will help you ensure that your projects and career stay on track. Stakeholder analysis helps you identify who these people are so that you can build these partnerships.

 

Besides, working closely with others leads to personal relationships. If that sounds familiar to you, we recommend you to read our article on “How to Manage a Personal Relationship at Work”. It will show you how to be professional during business hours and preserve both your reputation and your relationships.

Build relationships of trust with your co-workers

 

The more comfortable coworkers are, the more confident they will feel when expressing their opinions and exchanging ideas.

 

This level of teamwork is key to embrace change, create, and innovate. And when people see the fruit of working together, group morale and productivity skyrockets.

 

Stronger work relationships give you freedom. Instead of spending time and energy dealing with negative relationships, you can focus on other opportunities, such as learning skills, personal development, etc.

 

 

 

 

12 ways to build stronger relationships at work

 

Learning how to build stronger relationships with colleagues is easier than you think. It takes 

 

1. Master the art of listening. How To Build Stronger Relationships.

 

If your team feels you can listen to their opinions and value them, it won’t take long to earn their respect. Take part in work conversations, but always from a respectful posture.

 

2. Be nice to your co-workers, even when they don’t deserve it

 

It seems silly, but sometimes we are so busy that we forget to smile, which could send the wrong message to others. Don’t forget that every single one of us is going through a personal battle. Some empathy will on your part will go a long way. There are three things you should never forget: the name of your colleagues, saying hello, and saying goodbye.

 

3. Get to know your colleagues.

 

Get to know the people who work with you, so you can find common interests. This way, it’ll be easier to start conversations with them and develop healthy relationships.

 

4. Effective Communication in the workplace

 

It is the foundation of any good working relationship. For work to be efficient, having good communication is a no-brainer.

 

5. Demonstrate respect at work 

 

It’s vital both in work life and outside it. Listen to the opinions of your colleagues and respect them. Never underestimate other people’s way of thinking. If you do, you will end up generating a climate of insecurity where others will avoid sharing their ideas for fear of not being respected.

 

 

 

6. Take on more responsibility. How To Build Stronger Relationships.

 

Take responsibility for your work. Fostering good relationships with your work environment means being a good partner. Thus, you need to take responsibility for your work and know how to work as a team. Respond to assigned tasks and attempt to do them well because, if not, you could affect the work of others, which will impair relationships.

 

7. Understanding the needs of your team.

 

To err is human, and we all make mistakes. If you spot a flaw in a colleague’s work, be understanding and let them know privately. Talk it over personally with him and, if it can be solved by talking, avoid reporting it to a superior.

 

8. How to handle rumors and sensitive topics.

 

Rumors are the source of a great number of misunderstandings. Stay away from any rumor going around and, above all, avoid spreading it. Also, try to stay away from sensitive issues such as politics, religion, money, education.

 

9. Why being thankful at work is important.

 

Surely in your office, workers will offer you a hand when you need it. Show gratitude and thank them. Everyone likes to feel appreciated, and these kinds of details will help you win the love of those around you.

 

10. Offer your help when you can. How To Build Stronger Relationships.

 

For many, it means meddling, while others will be grateful to have a hand when they are busy. Every time you consider that someone might need your help, offer it, but try to do it discreetly so as not to expose and undermine your co-worker.

 

11. Take part in office events.

 

In every office, there are some habits or customs, such as meeting once a week, among others. Although you may not feel completely comfortable with it, if you want to establish good relationships with your colleagues, participating in events, as well as being active, will leave a good impression.

 

12. Conflict management. How To Build Stronger Relationships.

 

Even if you are not the one with the problem, it is always good to intercede when a conflict occurs that can hurt the work environment.

 

Wrapping up

 

As you can see, these are simple guidelines that apply not just to the work environment but also to our personal life.

 

The problem is our stress levels workload make it difficult to implement them in our daily lives. 

 

To build stronger relationships, building good relationships with your colleagues is an extremely important task.

 

It is not just about building friendships, but also about improving work performance through collaboration and functioning as a team.