In light of the coronavirus pandemic, many businesses throughout the globe were left with no choice but to embrace remote working. But, for many companies, the transition to remote working has gone a lot more swimmingly than expected, with the vast majority now actually considering implementing it on either a permanent or semi-permanent basis once the pandemic is over.
However, this movement has also, in turn, left employees with a choice over where they want to spend their time working when away from the office – whether it be in an office set up at home, a local café or in a co-working environment. So, if you are one of those people who enjoys working around others but are looking for new ways to make and maintain good relationships with new and existing co-workers, we’re here to help.
Join us as we run through some of the most effective methods to not only improve your current co-worker relationships but form a strong new network of ‘colleagues’ as well.
Be a team player
In order to sustain better relationships with your co-workers, you need to be a good team player, making more time and effort to put their needs ahead of your own.
Whether that be through doing the tea run on a regular basis, asking if they need any help with their work, or giving constructive advice when they’re feeling stressed, little things like these can make a big difference when it comes to improving relationships.
Plus, the more you do for other people, the more you are likely to get back in return, so it could work to your advantage being a little more selfless when working together in a co-working space.
Organise activities outside of work
With the stress of deadlines and job-related commitments, it can be difficult making meaningful relationships with people while at work. So, why not let your hair down a little by organising a few activities with your co-workers outside of work?
From coffee breaks to pub lunches to after-work drinks, there are a number of great ways to get to know your co-workers better without your work getting in the way.
You could even consider going one step further, by arranging a weekly activity you know you both have a common interest in.
Say, for example, you and your co-workers have a love of golf. Heading to a local golf course or driving range together after work could not only provide you with an opportunity to get to know each other better, but it could also improve your health through the range of unexpected benefits it can offer.
Ask questions & take an interest
Even if you don’t work in the same field or industry as your co-worker, asking questions is one of the best ways to establish a meaningful relationship with them. After all, wouldn’t you like it yourself if someone actively took an interest in your role?
Whether it be a big client campaign they’re currently working on, a presentation they’re needing to put together or something else entirely, asking intelligent questions can be a great way of sharing your ideas, ultimately helping them talk it through with an interested individual.
This, in turn, can reduce feelings of stress, improve productivity and support the foundation of a more constructive relationship, since you will be going out of your way to help them.
Don’t be messy
If you are sharing a co-working space with other people, you can set a bad impression if you leave it looking messy and poorly looked after.
Especially nowadays, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, hygiene and cleanliness are absolutely vital. So, to keep on your co-workers’ good sides, make sure to regularly remove any litter from your desk and give it a quick wipe down at the end of every workday.
That way, you will be able to keep the millions of germs and bacteria that typically manifest within phones, printers and keyboards at bay, while also providing your co-worker with a clean and tidy place to work after you’re done.
Final thoughts…
So, there you have it – four of the best ways to improve your relationships with your co-workers.
The key thing to remember is to put them first and take an active interest in what they’re doing. That way, you’ll not only be able to keep on their good side, but you’ll also be able to get to know them – and what they do – a lot better as a result.
Photo credits: coworkinglondon.com