In any office there are many different people and personalities. Being able to establish good working relationships with your colleagues is an essential skill in the workplace โ a harmonious team is more productive, and not only does getting on with your colleagues make your job more enjoyable, but youโll be better at it too.
You may not be able to choose who you work with, but you spend around 40 hours a week with your co-workers so it definitely helps if you can get along. Dysfunctional working relationships are distracting, making working as a team difficult, reducing your work rate and in some cases making you dread Monday morning. You donโt have to like all your colleagues, but there are some simple strategies you can use for a peaceful co-existence.
Make a good first impression
When you start a new job or meet colleagues for the first time, be friendly and open to their advice.
Treat others with respect
Some people are more easily offended than others, but as a general rule try to be polite and respectful to all your colleagues. Respect is an important part of all successful relationships. You may not agree with someoneโs opinions or way of doing things, but this doesnโt mean they are wrong.
Try to get on with everyone
Yes, even that one person you find really irritating. You canโt choose your co-workers, you just have to make the best of it. You may be asked to collaborate with them in the future, so donโt push them away.
Avoid conflict
If there is a certain colleague who you donโt get on with or have clashed with in the past, think about why this is and how you react to them. Is there any way you can respond to them or their behaviour differently or more constructively to avoid a stressful situation?
Listen to others
Really listening to your co-workers will help you understand them. And if people feel you have genuinely listened to them, they are more likely to do the same for you.
Be constructive
If you disagree with an idea or decision at work itโs okay to say so, but have an alternative suggestion to offer. This is much more helpful and positive than simply telling people they are wrong.
Avoid being bossy
Offer your colleagues advice if they ask for it. Telling people how to do their jobs will not be well received.
Remember office etiquette
Every workplace has its own culture, and good manners in general are important too: Do your share of tea-making or trips to the coffee shop, donโt let your copious desk clutter creep into your neighbours work space. Good manners also apply to work phones, mobiles and emails: joke texts and chain emails are a no-no.
Avoid controversial subjects
Certain topics such as religion, money, sex and politics are best left out of the workplace. People tend to have very strong opinions about these subjects, or consider them too personal to discuss at work, so raising them can lead to disagreements or may unintentionally offend your colleagues.
Donโt gossip
This is a tricky one, as you can easily find yourself sucked into the latest office drama. While work-related whispers on the grapevine can be a useful way of keeping up to date with company news, you should draw the line at discussing the personal lives of your co-workers โ fact or fiction.
Care about your work
If you take your job seriously and care about your work, your colleagues will respect you. Many of your colleagues will be passionate about their job, so a bad attitude or the sense that you are just there till something better comes along will only annoy and alienate your co-workers.
Remember you are on the same side
You may have conflicting opinions or personalities, but ultimately you and your colleagues are all working towards the same goals and need to work as a team.
