Human beings have an inherent need to connect with those around them, and the same holds true for your workplace. When employees have a good relationship, they are happier and generally more productive. A recent study found that 49% of engaged employees believe that a strong positive relationship is key to achieving success. The ability to build positive relationships in the workplace is crucial to achieving mutual understanding.
When your employees can develop a positive relationship with their colleagues, there is trust and mutual respect. It's important to create a work environment where everyone feels like they want to stay in the organization. Let's look at how we can build positive relationships in the organization.
Elements of a Good, Positive Relationship
Trust - Trust becomes a vital foundation for successful employees in connecting with others and building healthy relationships. When there is trust, transparency follows. Furthermore, performance and communication are improved.
Respect - When there is mutual respect among employees, they value each other's opinions and ideas. This leads to effective collaboration through which problem-solving becomes simple.
Understanding - Thoughtful employees are careful with their words and are better listeners. They value others as much as themselves, never resorting to negative thoughts and highlighting positive relationships.
Tips for Positive Relationships
Open Communication
Excellent and open communication is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship among employees. Communication should always be transparent to maintain a smooth flow of information. Encouraging employees to communicate openly with their colleagues creates a sense of psychological safety. This not only promotes friendship, but also builds trust.
Therefore, managers could open communication channels where everyone can connect and bond well to strengthen the organization.
Listening
People tend to pretend to listen and miss the message that others need to convey. However, this should be avoided to encourage a positive relationship in the workplace.
Everyone should pay attention when someone needs to say something and focus on the message they want to convey. Try to see the bigger picture and the meaning behind the conversation, and offer some insight after hearing the entire input.
Show Gratitude
Respecting peers and colleagues is by far the best way to build a healthy relationship. Always show gratitude when a colleague helps you or someone achieves something big within their tenure in the organization. Even simple gestures like writing a simple thank-you note or giving a meaningful Valentine's Day gift can go a long way.
This will help them strengthen their morale, but will also help you connect well with other employees.
Respect others
Show that you value others and the work they do. Learn to accept the way they perform their daily tasks. When you appreciate their work ethic, your relationship with others automatically moves to a positive level. Not only does this act as a motivator for others, but it also helps you build a good reputation within the organization.
Positive attitude
You need to have an attitude that people like and find approachable. Regardless of who is in the organization, if they have the right attitude, it becomes appealing. People are more likely to talk and connect with those who display a positive attitude. When you show positivity, it reflects on others, promoting a happy work environment.
Maintain boundaries and never gossip
Before you connect well with someone in the organization, keep in mind to set certain boundaries. Set aside a specific time for bonding and never allow social connections to interfere with your work in the long run.
As we talk about maintaining boundaries, it should also be understood that gossiping is never a good idea. Office politics disrupt the work environment and make it difficult to maintain relationships among colleagues. If you are in conflict with someone, try to resolve it through open communication and point out the problem accurately. This will solve the conflict and help you maintain a healthy relationship.