If you work full-time, chances are you spend almost 8 interrupted hours with your coworkers a day. The people surrounding you play a substantial role in how well your day goes. Forming healthy working relationships with coworkers brings you one step closer to having a more productive work day and a happier experience with your job. The key to getting along with your coworkers lies simply in respect, but how do you show it?
Offices Are A Melting Pot
Whereas in your personal life you have the ability to pick and choose who you want to be around, your work environment is more likely to have a wide variety of people whose beliefs, values, and outlooks differ from your own. It’s important to avoid controversial and inappropriate topics, such as religion and politics. Staying away from those topics not only insures that you remain professional, but are safe from insulting someone who may have a different opinion than you.
Stay Tidy
Respect comes in many forms, but is especially visible in the way we leave a space looking after we’ve left it. Offices are usually small and cramped, so cleaning up after yourself is important. Make sure you wash the dishes you use in the kitchen, keep the furnishings on your desk to a minimum, and clean up any messes you may make. There are few things that make people as frustrated as cleaning up after someone else.
Time Is Money
There are a lot of moving parts within a work environment. Things need to function at certain times, by certain times, to be successful. Remember that other people’s deadlines and work goals are just as important as your own. Showing respect for other people’s schedules means showing up on time for work, meetings, and calls. If something comes up, reach out to the person you’re supposed to be meeting with. In doing so, you assure them that you care about their time and are also flexible in handling yours.
Know When to Walk Away
The ability to walk away from drama is crucial to having a positive experience at work. Listening to and feeding into any rumors or negativity around you only perpetuates any drama that might be present. Never be self conscious of excusing yourself from a negative conversation or telling someone that you don’t want to hear such information. Reacting in such a manner will show other employees that you respect their privacy and your boss that you respect your job.
If you’re using all 4 of these guidelines on a daily basis, you’re well on your way to having a positive experience with your coworkers and a more productive day at work.
Recent Comments