5 Tips for How to Get Along With Co-Workers

Co-Workers 101

Whether you’re working remotely or in an office, it’s important to cultivate healthy, productive relationships with your co-workers. Sure, you may not necessarily be as close to them as your friends and family outside of work, but these are the people with whom you spend a majority of your time with; what’s more, they’re there for you if you need advice, want to brainstorm ideas, or if you simply want to have a chat.

In the long-run, being able to get on well with your co-workers – be it members of your team or colleagues in other departments – will make working easier, pleasant and even fun! It can also provide a boost in productivity and employee retention.

What You Can Do

To help you develop a relationship with your co-workers, consider these five helpful tips:

1. Get to Know Them

If you’re meeting a colleague for the first time or you simply want to get to know one of your team-mates better, start by being friendly and engaging in small talk. For example, asking them about their current projects, offering your assistance on a task, chatting about their holiday plans or asking them if they want to walk with you to the coffee shop are just some of the ways to break the ice between the both of you.

Don’t forget to be attentive as you listen to them, as it shows that you’re genuinely interested in them as a person, as well as in building a positive working relationship.

2. Be Respectful

Be mindful of the tone and language you use when speaking to your colleagues. Being evasive, cold and rude (intentionally or not) can make your colleagues feel uncomfortable and ill at ease, which could hamper the communication channels between you. Be courteous, polite and positive where possible, especially when communicating with co-workers whom you may not necessarily like on a personal level, as it shows that you’re willing to do what it takes to get on the same page.

Likewise, let your actions speak for themselves: show respect by doing your part to keep your shared workspace clean and tidy; silence your phone while they’re conducting a presentation; offer assistance where needs be; be polite and quick when responding to emails and text messages; give them the appropriate credit for helping you on a project, and so on.

3. Don’t Overshare

Sharing is caring, but oversharing is overwhelming. Although you might consider some of your co-workers as friends, sharing your thoughts/opinions on certain topics and subjects in too casual or inappropriate a manner can be extremely off-putting and uncomfortable.

For example, telling them about your holiday is acceptable, but showing them pictures of you partaking in dubious activities whilst on holiday is not. Similarly, criticising your co-workers’ ideological beliefs simply because they don’t match your own can cause tension and awkwardness, especially if you display a sense of close-mindedness that prevents you from learning about things outside of your comfort zone.

To maintain professionalism and to create a comfortable, productive atmosphere, avoid talking too much about your personal matters where possible until you’re in the company of close friends and family members who know you best.

4. Stay Away From Gossip

The lure of engaging in office gossip is tempting, but it can prove detrimental in the long run. Talking about your co-workers behind their backs and spreading rumours (unfounded or otherwise) about them could make you appear untrustworthy and malicious in their eyes. Plus, you run the risk of being alienated by one or more of your colleagues.

Of course, gossip and drama are bound to occur in the workplace, but that doesn’t mean you have to get involved. Instead, try to steer clear of it as much as possible.

5. Focus on Your Work

Socialising with co-workers is important, but it’s one of many facets of your working life. Remember, you have your work to do, as do your colleagues – neither of you can afford any distractions. If you place too much focus on socialising, neither you nor your colleagues will get your daily tasks done, which can result in overtime and/or heavier workloads. These can sour anyone’s mood (and not least your relationships).

So, to maintain positive relationships and productivity levels, prioritise your tasks, projects and duties. Remember, there will be time later when you and your co-workers can relax and chat!

All for One and One for All

It’ll take some time and effort on your part, but by following these steps, you will soon be able to get along with your co-workers and contribute to a positive work environment. So long as you remain optimistic and persevere, you’re sure to find yourself on the same page as your colleagues in the near future!