Many people spend more time with their colleagues than anyone else in their lives. Ensuring that you get along with your coworkers can increase your job satisfaction, productivity within the workplace and overall happiness. If you are unsure of the best way to promote harmonious relationships with your coworkers, there are several tips you can implement today.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of positive relationships with your coworkers and actionable tips for how to get along with others in the workplace.
Why is important to get along with your colleagues?
Being able to get along with the people you work with can have several benefits both in and out of the workplace. One primary benefit of good coworker relationships is that it can increase your overall job satisfaction. When you look forward to seeing the people you work with each day, you will go to work happier and feel more motivated to take on the day.
Other important benefits of getting along with your colleagues include:
· Reduced job-related stress
· Increased health and well-being
· Improved psychological health
· Opportunities to take work breaks and connect with others
· A sense of connection and comradery within the workplace
· Increased success at work
How to get along with coworkers
Regardless of what type of job you have, if you work with other people you can enjoy the benefits that come with getting along with your coworkers. Here are 10 tips on how to better get along with the people you work with.
1. Start building relationships from the start
Getting along with your coworkers begins the very first day you start a new job. When you begin a new position, be sure to focus not only on learning your new role but also on meeting your colleagues and being friendly. For example, if your coworkers all go to lunch together on Wednesdays, agree to go along with them or ask to join in. This can provide you with quality time to meet new people and let your coworkers know you’re interested in building relationships with them.
2. Take the time to learn about other people
Taking the time to learn about your coworkers can have many benefits for your in-office social life. Showing interest in others signals to them that you are open to forming a friendship and also helps you figure out if you are compatible with a colleague. Next time you’re in the break room with a coworker, ask them about their weekend plans or what book they are currently reading. These types of questions may seem simple but can go a long way toward getting to know and build relationships with your peers.
3. Show respect for your coworkers
Showing respect for your coworkers is an important part of getting along with them. There’s a good chance that you won’t necessarily like every person you work with. In fact, this is to be expected and is a normal part of working in an office environment. However, no matter how challenging you find the other person to be, showing them respect can ensure that the relationship remains positive and that you’re able to get along with them while at work.
4. Avoid oversharing
While you should certainly strive to be open and honest in the workplace, it’s also important to avoid oversharing about personal matters in most cases. Try to keep your work conversations positive and light when possible unless you are particularly close to a coworker. This can help you maintain a professional yet friendly relationship with your colleagues.
5. Keep your interactions with coworkers positive
Keeping your conversations with coworkers positive can improve your work relationships and boost office morale. While it may feel good at the moment to complain about your manager or another coworker, this can discourage others from wanting to communicate with you. Avoiding gossip and overly negative conversation can have a positive effect on both your office relationships and your overall job satisfaction.
6. Help new employees feel welcome
Starting a new job can feel challenging, especially when the workspace is full of already established relationships. When a new coworker starts working at your office, take the time to welcome them into the workspace and get to know them. For example, you could ask your new coworker to come to your work group’s happy hour or invite them out to lunch one day. This can not only give you the chance to get to know someone new at work but can also make your new coworker’s work transition much easier and enjoyable.
7. Make getting your work done a priority
While it may seem counterintuitive, focusing on getting your assigned work done each day can also be an important aspect of getting along with your coworkers. If you spend too much time socializing, you may find it challenging to complete your daily tasks. As a result, your coworkers may have to take on more work to account for what you are unable to complete. When you make getting your own work done a priority, you prevent your coworkers from having to perform additional tasks and contribute to a more friendly and productive work environment.
8. Be approachable
Making yourself approachable in the workplace can also improve your relationships with your coworkers. If you work in a closed office, be sure to keep your door open when possible to let your colleagues know you’re available. If you work in an open-space office, try not to have headphones on all day so that others have the opportunity to chat with you when needed. This is an especially important tip for managers and employers, as letting your employees know they can approach you can help them know that you care about their problems and challenges at work.
9. Work with other teams if possible
It’s often easy to work with the same group of people each day, especially if you are part of a team that never changes. When possible, try to work with other teams throughout your workplace. This will allow you to meet new people and potentially make new work friends.
10. Practice respectful behavior and etiquette in the workplace
Showing up to work on time, wearing appropriate attire and keeping your cellphone on silent are all proper workplace etiquette that can promote positive coworker relationships. Additional examples of respectful behavior that can help you get along with your coworkers include practicing good email etiquette, keeping your voice low when chatting with others and using appropriate language in the workplace.