<aside> <img src="/icons/info-alternate_yellow.svg" alt="/icons/info-alternate_yellow.svg" width="40px" /> This page is part of The Toolbox by Danny Smith.

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Strong, resilient relationships are as important at work as anywhere else in life. They've not only been proven) to increase productivity but they also help people feel safe and happy.

Why do work relationships matter?

Human beings are naturally social creatures. And when you consider that we spend one-third of our lives at work, it's clear that good relationships with colleagues will make our jobs more enjoyable. The more comfortable co-workers are around one other, the more confident they'll feel voicing opinions, brainstorming, and going along with new ideas, for example. This level of teamwork is essential to embrace change, create, and innovate. And when people see the successes of working together in this way, group morale and productivity soars. Good work relationships also give you freedom. Instead of spending time and energy dealing with negative relationships, you can instead focus on opportunities – from winning new business to focusing on personal development. And having a strong professional circle will also help you to develop your career, opening up opportunities that otherwise might pass you by.

Source

While good work relationships have significant benefits for your company (in terms of productivity/morale etc), the most important benefit it for you. They make work more enjoyable.

Considering how much energy we put into developing good relationships with our friends, partners, children and neighbors, it seems only sensible that we also put energy into developing relationships with our co-workers – with whom we spend a third of our time!

So what makes a good relationship?

• Trust - If you trust your coworkers, you can be open and honest in your thoughts and actions. And you don't have to waste time or energy "watching your back." It's very hard to have genuine relationships without trust.
• Respect - If you have mutual respect amongst people in a team, everyone will value one another's input and are likely to find solutions based on collective insight, wisdom, and creativity.
• Self-awareness - this means taking responsibility for your words and actions, and not letting your own negative emotions impact the people around you. It's hard to build (and feel) trust and mutual respect without self-awareness.
• Inclusion & Safety - Feeling safe and included is incredibly important. It's not enough everybody to have trust, mutual respect and self-awareness. We need to actively show this so that others feel safe and included.
• Open communication - All good relationships depend on open, honest communication. Whether you're sending emails, Slacking, or meeting face-to-face or on video calls – the more effectively you communicate with those around you, the better you'll connect.