How to Develop Strong Professional Bonds: 12 Key Steps
Tsvetelina Hinova
10 October 2023
Starting a new job can feel like navigating a maze while juggling flaming staplers. But here’s a game-changer – the secret to mastering unfamiliar workplaces is building genuine relationships with your coworkers. It’s not just about avoiding awkward small talk by the coffee machine.
By forging these genuine connections, you’re unlocking the doors to future job opportunities and a more enjoyable work environment.
So, if you’re lost in a sea of unfamiliar faces and haunted by the “reply all” button, this guide from Thankbox breaks down relationship-building into eight manageable steps. Dive into mastering workplace communication, gracefully accepting feedback, and sharing chuckles over the workplace nemesis – the printer!
What are the benefits of building workplace relationships?
Here some of the top perks of great working relationships:
Boosted team spirit: Strong relationships at work create a supportive environment, significantly boosting staff morale. Employees who enjoy positive connections are likely to experience higher job satisfaction – after all, there’s nothing worse than dreading Monday mornings!
Productivity through the roof: When you share professional bonds, communication, and collaboration become second nature. Employees can leverage each other’s strengths and work together to solve problems much more efficiently.
Career climbing like a pro: Building workplace relationships paves the way for professional and personal growth. Additionally, networking offers opportunities for skill development and career growth, while feedback fosters development.
Thankbox’s group e-cards are perfect for fostering workplace relationships. The platform enables the sending of appreciation and recognition to team members in a lively and interactive manner, breaking barriers with personalised messages, GIFs, photos, and videos.
Imagine receiving a unique message of thanks from a coworker for a job well done or sharing kudos with a team member who went the extra mile. Thankbox creates these moments of connection, making it an ideal ally for strengthening workplace relationships.
Start Building New Workplace Relationships
Embed yourself straight into the team by leading on appreciation and celebration of new coworkers. Start a Thankbox in seconds, get the team involved, make someone's day and build bonds fast.
How to build relationships at the workplace in 12 simple steps
Here are 12 simple steps to build long-lasting relationships with your coworkers:
1. Introduce yourself
Dive into your new workplace with a warm introduction. A friendly hello and smile can break the ice and kick-start budding relationships. Share a bit about yourself and show how eager you are to learn.
Check out this 50 Engaging Icebreaker Questions article for some inspiration.
2. Be genuine
Keeping Step 1 in mind, remember authenticity is your friend. It’s the genuine smiles and the sincere “how’s your day” questions that go a long way in building connections. Let your true colours shine and encourage others to do the same.
3. Find the time to talk
In the hustle and bustle of the nine-to-five, even finding time to converse can be a struggle. Seize every moment to engage with your colleagues – arrive early for meetings, suggest a weekly lunch outing, or be the first to volunteer.
4. Up your communication game
Think of effective communication as the secret sauce to a welcoming workplace. It’s more than just words – treat conversations as opportunities to connect, understand, and be understood. Practise active listening and clear communication to ensure you’re all on the same page.
5. Ask questions
Curiosity didn’t just kill the cat, it built strong working relationships! Asking questions demonstrates interest in your teammates so regularly engage in conversations and uncover more about their roles, thoughts, and feedback. This is a perfect way to show you respect their expertise.
6. Try to avoid office politics
Staying clear of office politics highlights your commitment to a healthy work-life balance. Avoiding office gossip (no matter how juicy it is) and hot-button issues prevents potential conflicts from occurring. This ensures your relationships with coworkers remain untainted and you’re more likely to be associated with trustworthiness.
7. Express gratitude
Expressing gratitude can take various shapes, from a swift thank-you email to sending flowers on special occasions. Such gestures are more than polite niceties. These actions signal respect and genuine concern for their wellbeing, encouraging bonds and nurturing a supportive workplace environment.
8. Be helpful
Spot a team member in the trenches? Reach out, express concern, and extend a helping hand. Your gesture doesn’t need to be grand. Even offering your time or a listening ear makes a world of difference.
This kind-hearted approach solidifies your standing as a supportive team player who goes the extra mile.
9. Ask for help
Don’t hesitate to seek assistance or advice from your colleagues. This isn’t a sign of weakness but rather a respect for their knowledge. It’s an open door to collaborative discussions.
10. Consistently deliver on deadlines
There’s nothing more frustrating than unkept promises. Not delivering on deadlines can affect your reputation and wreck budding relationships. A failure to respond to emails and requests can also amplify the issue.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s best to be transparent. Communicate your situation and provide a heads-up about potential delays. This helps safeguard your professional relationships.
11. Radiate positivity
Let’s be honest – everyone flocks to individuals brimming with positivity. Let your positivity be infectious and bolster your bonds with colleagues. Embodying a consistently positive outlook will boost your office reputation and turn you into a beacon of comfort for your peers.
12. Be open to feedback
Feedback is a cornerstone in building professional relationships. It’s a give-and-take that fuels both personal and team development. Managing feedback graciously, be it criticism or acclaim, showcases your readiness to grow. Express thanks for the insights given and view them as opportunities.
Build strong workplace relationships with Thankbox
In wrapping up, let’s not forget that the path to workplace bonds is an ongoing adventure, not a one-time event. Remember the essentials – introduce yourself warmly, be authentic, dodge office politics, and stay open to feedback.
Make every effort to brighten the office atmosphere with positivity and support. Your efforts in nurturing these relationships will transform your work life and create a collaborative environment for everyone involved.
And remember, Thankbox is here to add that extra touch of connection. It’s a fantastic tool for fostering workplace relationships, enabling you to send lively messages of gratitude to your team members.
So why wait? Create a Thankbox today!
Start Building New Workplace Relationships
Embed yourself straight into the team by leading on appreciation and celebration of new coworkers. Start a Thankbox in seconds, get the team involved, make someone's day and build bonds fast.
Images: Cover | Group at table | Woman at desk | Positive lady working at home
