Most of us spend more time at work with our colleagues than at home with family and friends. If you have poor relationships with your colleagues, your happiness at work and even your productivity could be negatively impacted.

Therefore, building healthy relationships with your colleagues is essential and offers many benefits, including the following.

1. It’s good for your mental health

Humans are social by nature. Socializing with your peers positively affect your well-being at work and your mental health. It also reduces feelings of isolation.

2. It fosters team spirit

One of the keys to building a strong and more effective team lies in having good relationships with colleagues. They’re also helpful when you need to work as a team.

3. It enables good communication

If you get on well with your colleagues, communication is always easier, whether in routine discussions or when resolving a conflict.

Think of truck drivers who work in pairs on long hauls, for example. Don’t you think their work would be more difficult if they didn’t get along with their partner?

4. It boosts productivity

Studies have repeatedly shown that happy employees are more productive. And employees are happier when they have good relationships with colleagues.

How can I build good relationships with my colleagues?

Connecting with colleagues is easier for extroverted people. If you’re not sure how to go about it, here are a few tips:

Get to know colleagues by asking them open-ended questions.
Be an active listener when having a conversation with a colleague.
Use friendly body language, as non-verbal communication is just as important as verbal communication.
Find things in common with your colleagues and discuss them over a drink after work.

In short, be kind and courteous to your colleagues. Take an interest in them and create moments where you can discuss all sorts of topics. Over time, you’ll build strong relationships with your colleagues, which will boost your happiness at work.