The Best Ways To Get Along With Coworkers (Plus Tips and Examples)

1. Respect Your Colleagues. …
2. Don’t Bring Up Cringe-Worthy Topics. …
3. Get Your Workplace Relationships Off to a Good Start. …
4. Find A Way to Get Along With Everyone, Even the Most Difficult People. …
5. Practice Good Office Etiquette. …
6. Be Kind to Your Coworkers. …
7. Don’t Spread Malicious Gossip.

Interacting with coworkers in the workplace is essential for a successful career. How you get along with others can have a major impact on your professional development and opportunities. Whether it’s learning to resolve conflicts, offering help or support, or simply having a positive attitude, learning how to get along with coworkers is key for meeting professional goals. The good news is that there are many simple strategies you can use to foster a strong relationship with colleagues and make the most of your working environment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the techniques you can use to get along with coworkers and how to tackle any conflicts that may arise.

GET ALONG WITH COWORKERS (EVEN DIFFICULT COWORKERS)

Why is important to get along with your colleagues?

There are several advantages, both inside and outside of the workplace, to getting along with the people you work with. Good coworker relationships can boost your level of overall job satisfaction, which is one of their main advantages. You will arrive at work happier and more motivated to face the day when you anticipate seeing the people you work with each day.

Other important benefits of getting along with your colleagues include:

How to get along with coworkers

No matter what kind of job you have, if you collaborate with others, you can benefit from having a good working relationship. Here are ten suggestions for how to get along with coworkers better.

1. Start building relationships from the start

Starting a new job means that you must get along with your coworkers from the very first day. When starting a new job, be sure to put equal emphasis on getting to know your coworkers and being friendly as you do on learning your new role. For instance, if your coworkers go out to lunch every Wednesday, agree to join them or suggest it. This can give you the opportunity to spend quality time meeting new people and communicating with your coworkers about your interest in doing so.

2. Take the time to learn about other people

Learning more about your coworkers can be very beneficial for your social life at work. By expressing interest in others, you can let them know that you are open to friendship while also determining whether you get along with a particular coworker. Ask your coworker about their weekend plans or the book they are currently reading the next time you are in the break room. These kinds of inquiries, while seemingly straightforward, can greatly aid in getting to know and developing relationships with your peers.

3. Show respect for your coworkers

Respecting your coworkers is a crucial component of getting along with them. There’s a good chance you won’t always get along with everyone you work with. In actuality, this is expected and a typical aspect of working in an office setting. However, no matter how difficult you find the other person to be, treating them with respect can help to maintain the relationship and make it easier for you to get along with them at work.

4. Avoid oversharing

While being open and honest at work is important, it’s generally best to refrain from sharing too much personal information. If you can, try to keep work-related conversations upbeat and lighthearted, unless you are particularly close with a coworker. This will enable you to keep cordial and professional relationships with your coworkers.

5. Keep your interactions with coworkers positive

Positive interactions with coworkers can enhance your working relationships and raise morale in the office. Even though it may feel good in the moment to criticize your manager or a coworker, doing so may make people avoid talking to you. Your workplace relationships and general job satisfaction can benefit from avoiding gossip and excessively negative conversation.

6. Help new employees feel welcome

Starting a new job can be difficult, especially if the workplace is filled with people with whom you have established relationships. Take the time to introduce yourself and get to know a new coworker when they begin working at your office. For instance, you might invite your brand-new coworker to join you for happy hour or lunch one day. This can make your new coworker’s transition to the workplace much easier and more enjoyable in addition to giving you the chance to get to know someone new at work.

7. Make getting your work done a priority

Even though it may seem counterintuitive, concentrating on completing your daily tasks can be a crucial component of getting along with your coworkers. You might struggle to finish your daily tasks if you spend too much time socializing. Because of this, your coworkers might have to do more work to make up for what you can’t finish. When you prioritize completing your own work, you spare your coworkers from having to complete extra duties and contribute to a more welcoming and effective work environment.

8. Be approachable

Additionally, being approachable at work can help you build stronger bonds with your coworkers. Keep your door open whenever you can to let your coworkers know you’re available if you work in a closed office. Try not to wear headphones all day if you work in an open-plan office so that coworkers can talk to you when necessary. This is a particularly crucial piece of advice for managers and employers because it can show your staff that you care about their issues and difficulties at work by letting them know they can come to you with problems.

9. Work with other teams if possible

Working with the same group of people every day is frequently simple, especially if you are a permanent member of the team. Try to collaborate with other teams at your workplace whenever you can. You can do this to make new friends and possibly find a new job.

10. Practice respectful behavior and etiquette in the workplace

Workplace etiquette that can foster good coworker relations includes arriving on time, dressing appropriately, and turning your cellphone to silent. Using appropriate language in the workplace, keeping your voice down when conversing with others, and adhering to proper email etiquette are additional examples of respectful behavior that can help you get along with your coworkers.

FAQ

What to do if you don’t get along with your coworkers?

1. Accept the situation.
2. Document their behavior.
3. Speak with human resources.
4. Be mindful of yourself.
5. Be the better person.
6. Use your communication skills.
7. Create healthy boundaries.
8. Bond with your other coworkers.

How do you get along with difficult coworkers?

1. Do examine your own behavior before blaming the other person.
2. Don’t let it get personal. …
3. Do communicate what issues you’re having. …
4. Don’t get baited into unprofessional behavior. …
5. Do not forget the benefits of collaborating with this person.

How do you get along with coworkers who hate you?

1. Keep in mind that you are not there to win everyone over.
2. Keep your work goals. …
3. Be aware on how you interpret their behavior towards you.
4. Assess the power dynamic and build leverage. …
5. Be prepared and ready to act on your own power.

How do you improve interaction with coworkers?

1. Listen actively. …
2. Speak with discretion and talk face to face. …
3. Offer constructive criticism. …
4. Build and earn trust. …
5. Get personal but don’t be too casual. …
6. Consider communication preference and technology etiquette. …
7. Tell them how what you’re communicating is relevant to them.