You spend longer with your co-workers than you do with your friends, family, spouse, children, and pets. If you want your work life to be smooth sailing you need to make sure your relationships with your colleagues are harmonious. Sitting in awkward silence for 8 hours per day, 5 days per week will not make your work life a positive experience. Strengthen your work relationships by following these tips and become the best co-worker possible:
1. Say "Thank You"
Whether someone has helped you achieve your deadline when you were drowning in work or they've just made you a cup of tea when you arrived into the office, it is important to express your gratitude. Your colleagues are a lot less likely to go out of their way to assist you if they feel underappreciated. Knowing that their help was valued will make them feel part of a supported team!
2. Bring food
A co-worker's stomach is the way to their heart. If you're ever in doubt if you're getting on well in your team, or even if you'd just like to brighten everyone's day, bring snacks! Offices really bring out the hunger in people and the thoughtfulness for your colleagues will definitely be appreciated.
3. don't be rude
This should go unsaid, but it's surprising how rude people can be in the office. Try to give everyone respect and be as nice as possible, despite any hierarchy within your company. You never know what people have going on outside of work, and considering the average person spends over 70% of their lives in an office, it should not be a place people are dreading to go because of a negative and mean culture. Try to contribute positively to your company's culture by treating everyone the way you want them to treat you!
4. Don't get involved in gossip
Being in a work clique and participating in workplace gossip and office politics is unprofessional and creates a bullying culture. The "office gossip" is not a nickname you want to acquire either, and people will like you less if you have that reputation. Talking badly about someone else is never okay to do. If you're not sure if you're gossiping, just think 'Would I say this to the person I'm talking about?'. If the answer is no, just don't say it.
5. Be modest
No one likes a show-off. Someone who is constantly bragging about how they're the best at their job can make their co-workers feel uncomfortable. Being modest, humble and understanding that you don't know the answers to everything is an endearing quality. Your colleagues are more likely to gravitate towards you if you're open to their ideas and contributions, rather than thinking your ideas are always best.
6. Respect others' time
Everyone in the workplace thinks their workload is just as important as anyone else's. Don't act like yours takes priority. Your colleagues are equally as stressed and preoccupied as you. Make sure you attend meetings on time, are always fully prepared and have your work submitted by the deadline. If you respect your co-workers' time, then they'll respect yours!
7. Welcome new co-workers
New starters are bound to be nervous. Entering into a new company and not knowing anyone can be a little daunting. Make the effort to reach out to them by inviting them to lunch, offering to make them a coffee or just asking them about where they are from and their previous job role. They will appreciate that you went out of your way to get to know them, and will help ease them into the company and contribute to your great culture!
What little things do you do to be an amazing co-worker? Tweet us @OregaOffices
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