Building friendly, professional relationships at work creates a happy, productive environment. With fewer problems in the office or on the factory floor, positive energy gets channeled into creative discussions and a constructive workflow so that everyone can meet deadlines and achieve goals. Learn just how important professional networking is and find out how to build deeper workplace relationships to maximize job satisfaction.

The benefits of building positive work relationships

Productive workplace connections are essential at all levels, not just within teams. From management to team members, it’s important to recognize the benefits of positive and professional relationship building.

Those in management and leadership positions want a business environment with high morale. A happy team is an effective team, so promote healthy affiliations to build trust and foster commitment within teams. Having close-knit office staff means employees can involve themselves in their specialties and delegate other tasks within the team to those with different strengths. A collaborative, professional team is goal orientated and focused, therefore fostering professional work relationships both between leaders and team members creates a dedicated, efficient group.

Team members (including management) need to function well with others. Getting on with peers not only means staff enjoy their days, but with valued work relationships, attaining promotion opportunities and securing pay raises comes easier as well. Operating well within the team allows collaboration, with innovative ideas being created and refined through effective brainstorming.

How to develop professional relationships

For employers and employees alike, it’s necessary to build interpersonal skills. Aside from reading psychology books, consider the following ways to promote and build genuine and strong work relationships:

• Positivity

Everyone likes to be around positive people. People who exude positivity draw others to them. As a bonus, positivity is contagious and creates an upbeat, functioning environment that promotes productivity and strengthens business-related connections.

• Respect

Consideration for workmates’ beliefs, values, and ideas helps form friendships where thoughts and opinions are appreciated and valued. When team members understand that their thoughts and ideas are respected and that input into higher level problems and tasks is welcomed, rapport is strong and staff tend to think outside the box.

• Communicate

Positive, respectful work relationships also rely on honest, open communication. Whether it’s face to face or via emails or text, it’s important to take time to consider the tone and content of all workplace communications. Be clear and concise, making the point of the discussion well-defined to avoid confusion or misinterpretation. Avoid using sarcasm when speaking with co-workers and never talk down to another employee. The same goes for those in management positions. Always speak to everyone with respect, no matter the role. As a supervisor or office manager, schedule meetings in a daily planner so staff receive updates and feedback on current tasks to ensure information is shared and no-one is left out of the loop.

• Socialize

Socializing with workmates can include team lunches and casual coffee breaks. Spending time together outside the office can help foster friendships between staff members and those higher up the hierarchical scale. Write a time in the desk calendar and schedule a weekly coffee date with the team.

Forming healthy, positive work relationships are essential for a successful career. Consider your current professional relationships and implement the above tips to builder stronger bonds with colleagues.