In 2015, only 64% of UK workers reported their relationships with their managers as ‘good’ as opposed to ‘excellent’. And alarmingly, 13% said they had a poor relationship with the heads of their departments. Given the benefit of positive workplace relationships and the fact that working adults spend most of their time with colleagues, the trends could be better.
Studies show that positive workplace relationships enhance productivity. But how do you build positive relationships when dealing with a diverse workforce? This article will examine how you can cultivate a good relationship with your colleagues and improve your productivity. You will also learn how using ergonomic furniture can help improve your well-being and the way you relate with your colleagues.
What are Workplace Relationships, and How do they Improve Your Well-Being?
Workplace relationships refer to the social dynamic between you and another worker. The average worker spends more than 40 hours per week at their workplace, making a positive relationship with your workmates important for your happiness, wellbeing, and productivity. Good workplace relationships can also help you cope with other stressors in your life, such as moving house or having a baby. Feeling able to return to a bright and happy workplace after a period of stress or illness can make all the difference, and workplace relationships help to make that happen.
Here are five tips you can use to build great workplace relationships.
1. Help Where You Can
If you are new to the organization, your colleagues will want to assess the value you bring to the team. Since you are most likely to be given lighter duties in the first few weeks, be proactive and use your free time to help where you can. Your colleagues will appreciate your input and consider you a valuable team member. If you are a more established worker, you can help new workers find their feet. Be approachable, friendly and patient as they gain confidence within their role. And in general, if you see a colleague struggling, offer a helping hand. You’d appreciate them doing the same for you!
2. Build a Relationship with your Seniors and Juniors
A good workplace relationship revolves around everyone at the workplace. However, most workers concentrate on having positive relationships with their seniors and discount their juniors. This kind of skewed relationship affects the harmony in your team, which affects the overall productivity of the organization. To build long and lasting relationships, establish yourself as a reliable team player to your bosses, colleagues and even your juniors. Also, if you amply demonstrate your commitment to helping those junior to you, you will be more likely to be promoted into management roles in the future.
3. Socialize
If you find yourself very busy, you might not have time to get to know your colleagues on a personal level. But there are opportunities you can utilize. For example, you can interact with them and create social bonds during lunch breaks or after office hours. Departmental heads can also organize team building sessions to help their employees build workplace relationships. Even a Friday pint at the pub can help you and your colleagues to get to know each other away from the context of the office.
4. Ask Questions and Practice Active Listening
Showing interest in your colleagues’ social goals and personal lives is a great step at developing workplace relationships. Asking questions also encourages open communication, which is essential in any form of relationship. However, you should always give your colleagues an opportunity to share their goals and aspirations before sharing yours. That way, you could get them to open up and warm up to you more easily.
5. Check Your Office Ergonomics
A good relationship starts with your comfort at the workplace. If you spend most of the time complaining about the poor quality of your office chair, that might not leave enough time to build meaningful relationships with your coworkers. Chronic headaches, backaches, neck pain, or general fatigue are all possible signs of poor office ergonomics. Getting the right office chair and desk for yourself and colleagues not only reduces body aches, but also facilitates building great workplace relationships.
Order Ergonomic Furniture Today
Establishing and maintaining a good workplace relationship takes time and effort. Investing in the right furniture can be a great first step in creating the right atmosphere for workplace relationships to thrive.
At FlexiSpot, we understand the dynamics of today’s office environment and have dedicated ourselves to helping you get the right office furniture. Check out our buyer guide and make your order today. If you have any questions, ask one of our staff for assistance. We are more than happy to help.
