How to Maintain a Healthy Working Relationship with Your Coworkers

As an employee, you will spend the majority of your waking hours at work. In a professional setting, as contacts grow, it is equally important to cultivate positive relationships with coworkers. Because a company’s environment will always be a mix of people from various backgrounds, getting along with everyone can appear to be a herculean task. Employers today want people who can build relationships, communicate effectively, and work well as part of a team. Here are some strategies for developing healthy relationships with coworkers and improving your association with them.

Learn more about your coworkers

Learn more about your coworkers by asking them about their hopes and values. During coffee breaks, you can engage in open conversations with them to learn about their background, knowledge, and skills. Observe the types of conversations they prefer and encourage the group to share new ideas. Invite them to a team lunch or an outing to foster relationships and build the right camaraderie.

Respect each other

Allow each team member to share his or her thoughts on a specific topic when working in a group. It demonstrates that their opinions are valued equally with those of others. As a courtesy, this encourages creativity among members and aids in the development of strong relationships from the start.

Effective communication

When speaking with others, be professional, honest, and upbeat. Even if you are arguing a point, be prepared to listen to what others have to say because they may bring up a different point of view on the subject. Never act arrogantly or with a ‘know it all’ attitude in front of coworkers. Also, if you’ve started a discussion, encourage others to join in.

Volunteer to assist others

It is possible that a coworker will stay after hours or arrive early to complete a project. You can try to assist him/her in any way that you can without jeopardizing your own assigned task. When faced with a problem, if you are a giver, you will have a better chance of receiving assistance. This is one of the most valued qualities in an employee and contributes significantly to the development of successful relationships.

Avoid being a member of a group

It is preferable to mingle with all employees at the workplace rather than just those in your age group. Do not hang out with people who live nearby or who share your interests on a regular basis. Try to reach out to different employees and establish a rapport with them. This allows you to learn more from your experiences while avoiding bias. As a result, you will not feel alienated when confronted with unexpected situations.

Develop your trustworthiness

When you begin working for a company, you are expected to complete projects on time and even meet critical deadlines. At such times, how you manage responsibilities and meet targets is critical. You can seek assistance from other colleagues who are knowledgeable about the subject. However, if you are unable to meet the target or will miss the completion date due to unforeseen circumstances, notify the appropriate person and provide a valid reason.

Show your gratitude

If you received assistance from another person to complete a task, remember to thank that person and give him/her credit. Praise and positive remarks about your coworker can go a long way toward fostering a healthy working relationship.

Connecting with coworkers and developing positive relationships with them brings out the best in you while also providing job satisfaction. Maintain a pleasant and upbeat demeanor at work. If you get along well with your coworkers, it acts as a support system that can help you perform better.