At one point in time, way back in 2019, most people spent more waking hours at work with co-workers than at home with family and friends. Not the case anymore. Now many of us are at home with family trying to work and we probably find ourselves missing our coworkers. Some of them, anyway. But even if you won’t see some of your colleagues for many more weeks and month, it’s still important to get along with them and even lay the groundwork for a friendship. Here are some reasons why it’s important to develop positive workplace relationships.
Teamwork is key
When people know each other well, they establish trust and respect for one another, which makes communication via Zoom, Facetime, text, and email much easier and effective. When you have a rapport with your coworkers, you know what they expect, how they think, their strengths and weaknesses, and you can rely on them for innovative ideas. Collaboration on important tasks is much easier when you already have a relationship. Yes, Zoom meetings are much more efficient, but it’s hard to express your true feelings, intuitions, and nuanced opinions that way.
Friendships boost morale
When you get along with your co-workers, you’ll find yourself looking forward to heading to work, logging onto Zoom to see them, or otherwise spending time with them at a socially distanced outdoor happy hour. Meetings, phone calls, and emails become more fun, instead of an annoyance! If you’re stiff and unfriendly to the people working around you, they’ll be the same to you, and those long hours spent working will start to drain you instead of energize you. So, make friends and have a blast! Just make sure you’re getting your work done, too.
Happy employees are more loyal
The more connected you are to your coworkers, the more satisfied you’ll be and the longer you’ll stay at your company. Over time, you’ll move up or get promoted, so those positive relationships will be even more important. Remember that trusting friendships take time to develop, so if it doesn’t happen right away, don’t fret. It takes effort. Ask your coworkers open-ended questions about themselves and share some of your personal life with them as well. Invite them to a patio lunch or to grab a quick coffee, and offer to do a favor for them when you can.
Fulfillment plus engagement equals productivity
Happy employees work harder and are more productive. If you’re happy at work, you’ll be more engaged in your work, more connected to those around you, and you won’t let your coworkers down. And they’ll work just as hard not to let you down. Your goals will naturally align with the company’s goals, so you’ll all work your hardest to grow the company and help it become successful.
Friend with benefits
One of the best reasons to make sure you’re on good terms with your coworkers is that you never know when that relationship with benefit you down the road. They might end up being your boss some day or providing a valuable reference when you go for a promotion or another job. Or when you’re a supervisor some day, looking to hire someone new, you might have a pool of perfect candidates amongst your former colleagues.
For more tips on establishing beneficial relationships with your colleagues, check out our website at https://www.chiefofstaffkc.com.
Blog written by Erin Greenhalgh