Introduction.
Have you ever had a colleague you couldn’t get along with—only to find yourselves working well together later? It’s easy to focus on the tasks at hand and overlook the importance of professional relationships. A study by Gallup found that employees with strong workplace connections are seven times more engaged and significantly more productive. Yet, many people don’t give workplace relationships the same attention as personal ones.
Whether you're part of a team, managing staff, or establishing yourself in a new role, building strong professional connections can make your job more enjoyable and your career more successful.
This blog looks at practical ways to improve workplace relationships, from better communication to handling conflict effectively. These steps will help you strengthen connections and create a more positive work environment.
Why Workplace Relationships Matter.
The quality of your workplace relationships significantly impacts your career trajectory. Studies show that employees who have strong work connections are:
More engaged and productive.
More likely to receive career support and mentorship.
Less likely to experience workplace stress and conflict.
Better positioned for career advancement and leadership opportunities.
By prioritising positive interactions with colleagues, you enhance not only your own work experience but also contribute to a healthier and more collaborative work environment.
Strengthen Communication for Better Collaboration
I learned the hard way just how important clear communication is. A few years ago, I misheard a colleague’s request and ended up double-booking a meeting room at a very expensive hotel—not once, but twice!
It was an embarrassing mistake that cost the company money, and I had to own up to it because it wasn’t my colleague’s fault. That experience taught me that really listening and confirming details can save a lot of trouble later on.
Misunderstandings, unclear instructions, or lack of clarity can lead to costly errors and unnecessary stress. Here’s how you can improve communication at work:
Verbal Communication:
Actively listen – Pay attention instead of just waiting for your turn to speak. A simple way to confirm understanding is to paraphrase what’s been said.
Watch your body language – Eye contact, nodding, and an open posture help reinforce your message.
Clarify when needed – If something’s unclear, ask. It’s better to double-check than make mistakes.
Written Communication:
Keep emails and messages short and clear – Get to the point while remaining polite.
Use bullet points for clarity – They make key details easier to absorb.
Proofread before sending – Mistakes can create confusion or misinterpretation.
Quick Tip: Try the ‘repeat back’ method in meetings. The next time someone gives instructions, summarise what they said before acting. For example, “Just to confirm, you want me to book the meeting room for next Thursday at 3 pm?” This small step can prevent costly errors and show that you’re engaged.
Effective communication isn’t about saying more—it’s about making sure your message is understood. Small changes can make a big difference in how you work with others.
Trust Is a Two-Way Street—How to Build It.
Have you ever worked with someone you weren’t sure you could rely on? Maybe they missed deadlines, failed to follow through, or took credit for work that wasn’t theirs. It’s hard to collaborate when trust is shaky, and once it’s broken, it can be difficult to rebuild.
It’s hard to work with a colleague when trust is shaky, and once it’s broken, it can be difficult to rebuild. How can you be accountable for your behaviour? Maybe they missed deadlines, failed to follow through, or took credit for work that wasn’t theirs. It’s hard to collaborate when trust is shaky, and once it’s broken, it can be difficult to rebuild.
Earlier in my career, I worked with someone who always promised to help but never followed through. At first, I gave them the benefit of the doubt, but after a few letdowns, I found myself avoiding collaboration with them altogether. On the other hand, I’ve also had colleagues who consistently showed up, met deadlines, and followed through on commitments—those were the people I trusted and wanted to work with.
So, how do you build trust at work?
Be reliable – Meet deadlines and follow through on commitments.
Respect confidentiality – Keep private conversations private.
Take responsibility – Own up to mistakes and focus on solutions.
Offer help when you can – Sharing your knowledge or lending a hand builds goodwill.
Stay professional – Be respectful, listen properly, and avoid office gossip.
Trust is more than just a nice-to-have in the workplace—it’s essential for teamwork, productivity, and career growth. When people trust you, they’re more likely to support your ideas, involve you in opportunities, and work with you more effectively.
Take a moment to reflect—are you someone your colleagues trust and enjoy working with? If not, small changes can make a big difference.
Being a Colleague People Want to Work With.
We all know someone in the workplace who brings out the best in others—someone who is positive, supportive, and reliable. They make work more enjoyable, and people naturally want to collaborate with them. So, what makes them stand out, and how can you become that kind of colleague?
Here are a few key traits of a colleague people enjoy working with:
Stay positive – A good attitude is contagious. If you approach challenges with optimism, others will too.
Be approachable – Make an effort to connect with colleagues, whether it’s a quick chat in the break room or checking in on how they’re doing.
Give credit where it’s due – Acknowledge the contributions of others and celebrate their successes.
Offer help when you can – Whether it’s sharing knowledge or lending a hand, being supportive fosters goodwill.
Be professional and respectful – Treat everyone with kindness, listen actively, and avoid office gossip.
People naturally gravitate towards those who make them feel valued and respected. By developing these habits, you’ll not only build better workplace relationships but also enhance your reputation as someone people trust and enjoy working with.
What kind of colleague are you? Do you bring positivity, reliability, and encouragement to your workplace, or do you struggle with maintaining strong relationships with those around you? Taking a moment to reflect on your interactions can help you understand how others perceive you and where you might improve.
Address Conflicts Professionally.
Workplace conflicts are inevitable, but how you handle them can make all the difference. One common challenge is when a company introduces changes that impact performance targets (KPIs), and not everyone is on board. Imagine a team meeting where management announces a new KPI increase, and tensions rise. Some employees see it as unrealistic, while others worry about the added pressure. The atmosphere becomes tense, and disagreements escalate.
Conflicts like these often stem from personality clashes, differing perspectives, or resistance to change. Addressing them professionally ensures that disagreements don’t damage relationships or workplace morale. Here’s how you can handle workplace conflicts effectively:
Stay calm and listen – Instead of reacting emotionally, take a moment to understand where the other person is coming from.
Acknowledge concerns – Show empathy and validate the other person's frustrations before offering your perspective.
Communicate with clarity – Be direct but respectful when discussing issues to avoid misinterpretation.
Look for a solution, not a win – Find common ground and focus on resolving the issue rather than proving a point.
And here’s the big one—know when to bring in a mediator. If a situation is escalating despite your best efforts, involving a neutral third party (a manager, HR rep, or even an experienced colleague) can help keep the conversation constructive.
Workplace conflict isn’t about avoiding tough conversations—it’s about approaching them with professionalism and a problem-solving mindset. When handled well, difficult discussions can actually strengthen trust and teamwork rather than weaken them.
Balance Professionalism and Personal Connection.
Workplace friendships can make your job more enjoyable, but maintaining a balance between professionalism and personal connection is key. It’s possible to build strong relationships without crossing professional boundaries.
I once worked with a colleague who became a close friend. We started grabbing food after work and bonded over a shared love of desserts. That friendship made work more enjoyable and provided a support system during challenging times. But we also knew when to separate work and personal life, ensuring our friendship didn’t interfere with professionalism.
Benefits of Workplace Friendships:
Increased Job Satisfaction – Having friends at work can make daily tasks more enjoyable and reduce stress.
Better Collaboration – Stronger relationships lead to smoother teamwork and improved problem-solving.
Emotional Support – Work can be stressful, but having someone to confide in can help you navigate challenges more effectively.
How to Maintain the Right Balance:
Set Boundaries – Keep personal and professional discussions separate to ensure work remains the priority.
Stay Inclusive – Avoid forming cliques and remain open to engaging with all colleagues.
Remain Professional in Conflict – If disagreements arise, handle them professionally without letting personal emotions take over.
Workplace friendships should add to, not distract from, your professional growth. The key is to enjoy the benefits of strong connections while maintaining respect and professionalism in all interactions.
Workplace Relationships and Career Growth.
Strong workplace relationships do more than make your job enjoyable—they can open doors to career opportunities. Whether it’s through mentorship, career advice, or strong professional networks, the people around you can help you grow in ways you might not expect.
Early in my career, I built a good working relationship with a senior colleague whose expertise I admired. Instead of just seeing them as another co-worker, I reached out for advice on how to progress in my role. Over time, this connection turned into a valuable mentorship. Their guidance helped me develop new skills, take on bigger projects, and ultimately move into leadership opportunities. All because I took the initiative to learn from someone who had been there before.
How Workplace Relationships Create Career Opportunities:
Mentorship from senior colleagues – Learning from experienced professionals provides insights that no course or training can offer.
Manager and HR support – Strong relationships with managers and HR can lead to promotions, leadership roles, and internal opportunities.
Networking with industry professionals – Expanding your network can introduce you to job opportunities and collaborations beyond your current workplace.
Appraisals and recommendations – Building trust with colleagues and supervisors can result in positive appraisals and referrals for future roles.
Cross-team collaborations – Working well with different departments can open doors to projects that boost your career prospects.
Currently, I am coaching and mentoring three junior staff members in their roles at GEMS. Each of them brings different skills and abilities, and for me, the absolute delight comes when they achieve their goals and realise how beneficial this type of support is to their career. Seeing their confidence grow as they develop new skills, overcome challenges, and take on greater responsibilities reinforces the importance of strong workplace relationships.
Mentorship isn’t just about guidance—it’s about empowerment, helping individuals recognise their potential, and providing them with the tools to succeed.
According to Indeed, mentors play a key role in career growth by offering guidance, setting goals, and providing valuable feedback. Strong workplace relationships don’t just make work easier—they create opportunities and help you move forward in your career.
Conclusion.
Workplace relationships aren’t just about getting along—they’re about making work more fulfilling, productive, and enjoyable. Whether it's building trust, improving communication, or resolving conflicts, the way you interact with colleagues can shape your career in ways you might not expect.
You don’t need to be best mates with everyone in the office, but taking the time to build strong, professional connections will always be worth it. So why not start today? Try reaching out to a colleague, offering a helping hand, or even just having a chat over a coffee—you never know where it might lead!
Hey there!
I am Paula, a career coach with over 10 years of experience. I specialise in helping skilled professionals reach the next stage in their career journey. If you are unsure of your next step,
reach out for a consultation at info@donnancoachingservices.com
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