As an employee, you will spend the maximum number of hours in a day at the workplace. In a professional world, as contacts expand, it is equally important to build good relationships with co-workers. Since the company environment will always be a mix of people from diverse backgrounds, getting along with all of them can seem like a herculean task. Employers today want people who are good at building relationships, communicate effectively, and integrate well with the team. Here are ways you can build healthy relationships with colleagues and develop a better partnership with them.

• Learn more about your peers

Learn more about your colleagues by asking them about their dreams and values. You can have open conversations with them during coffee breaks and learn about their background, knowledge or skills that they possess. See what kind of conversations they prefer and encourage them to share new ideas in the group. Invite them to a team lunch or outing to build the right camaraderie and nurture relationships.

• have mutual respect

When working as a team, allow each member to share their thoughts on a particular topic. It shows that your opinions have the same value as those of others. This facilitates creativity among members and helps build strong relationships from the ground up, as courtesy is expected to be followed.

• communicate effectively

Be professionally honest and positive when speaking with others. Even if you are pressing a point during the discussion, be prepared to listen to what others have to say as they may bring a different perspective on the topic. Never have a “know-it-all” attitude or be arrogant in front of your co-workers. Also, if you have started a discussion, encourage others to participate in it.

• be a helper

It may happen that a colleague stays after business hours or arrives early to complete a project. He can try to help you in any way possible without jeopardizing his own assigned task. If you are a donor, then there is a better chance of getting help when you are faced with a problem. This is one of the most appreciated qualities in an employee and goes a long way in building successful relationships.

• Avoid being part of a group.

One should try to blend in with all the employees in the workplace instead of sticking only to people who are in their age group. Don’t be consistent with people who are in your neighborhood or have similar interests. Try to branch out to multiple employees and come to a comfort level with them. In this way, you can learn more from the experiences and avoid being biased. As a result, you will not feel alienated in unexpected situations.

• Become trustworthy

When you start working in an organization, you are expected to deliver projects on time and even meet critical deadlines. At such times, how you manage responsibilities and handle goals would be important. You can try collaborating with other colleagues who have expertise in that topic for help. However, if due to certain circumstances you are unable to meet the target, or will miss the completion date, please notify the person concerned along with a valid reason.

• show appreciation

If you have received help from another person to complete a task, be sure to thank that person and give them due credit. Complimenting her colleague and saying positive things about him/her can go a long way in building a healthy relationship with her co-workers.

Connecting with your co-workers and building healthy relationships with them brings out the best in you and gives you job satisfaction too. Maintain a polite and cheerful attitude in the workplace. If you have a friendly relationship with your colleagues in the office, then you act as a support system that can help you improve your performance.