Whether you’re starting a new job or still in an old one, it’s important to always try and maintain good relationships with your co-workers. We’ve compiled a list of 8 things you can do to get along with your co-workers, some will apply more to those of you starting a new job but all of them can be utilised in any position to help you be more approachable at work.
- Be polite and friendly.
It’s important when you’re working to always be sure to be polite and friendly to your co-workers where possible. This almost goes without saying, of course, as you will always want them to be polite and friendly to you. Don’t become the person in the office people consider ‘grumpy’ or ‘rude’ because then they will be less likely to approach you and you will ultimately feel more isolated at work.
- Go to office gatherings/parties.
Sometimes it can feel a little tedious to go to office events but it is important (especially in the early months of your employment) to keep within the loop. You don’t have to drink if you don’t want to, just make sure you show up to all birthday parties/weekend bashes, so that you don’t become ‘the boring one’. Similarly, you should take part in ‘leaving do’s’ or donations for leaving co-workers, as people will consider you to be rude or uncaring if you don’t. Just make sure that people know that you do care when they leave, or they won’t care much about you if you do.
- Participate in charity events.
Many companies will have charity events/fundraisers every once in a while. It’s a way for the company to look caring and give something back to the community, so they can boost their profile while they do some good. Not taking part in these charity events can quickly give off a bad impression to your co-workers, so try to do your part and show that you care.
- Do favours when asked.
If a co-worker approaches you and asks for a favour, just do it. As long as it isn’t a totally unrealistic request or will cause you serious performance issues in your own job, doing favours can help you in the future too, as the co-worker in question is more likely to return the favour. If you refuse a favour, that co-worker is likely to dislike you (and potentially tell your other co-workers that you were unhelpful and uncaring, making them ultimately dislike you as well).
- Introduce yourself early on.
When you start a new job, make sure you introduce yourself to as many people as you can as early as you can. This will give the impression that you are open and friendly and have some confidence. If you start a new job and keep your head down, people are less likely to approach you since firstly, they don’t know your name and secondly, they don’t know if you are an approachable person.
- Find an icebreaker joke.
A great way to make friends quickly in a new job is to make an icebreaker joke. There are plenty out there that will get a quick laugh out of most people (as long as they have a sense of humour). People find funny people more approachable and easy to get along with, so it will give a great first impression for you.
- Talk to co-workers on breaks.
Sometimes if you’re having a long day at work it can be tempting to find a quiet corner in the break room and keep to yourself, however especially early on in a new job you should make the effort to talk to your co-workers on your breaks. This will again, help you to seem more approachable, as well as show them that you are interested in their lives and getting to know them.
- Don’t cause any drama.
Drama in the office is the worst way to get yourself disliked quickly. People love drama and will escalate/spread rumours as much as they can once you have done something worthy of gossiping about. Stay out of gossip and keep your head down, don’t get involved in any office relationships and try not to make anyone angry. If you do these things and manage to avoid drama, your life at work and with your co-workers should be simple and straightforward.
Most of these points could be considered common sense, as mostly what we are telling you with these points is to just be nice and friendly and open with people. However, it is important to note that there are a lot of social politics when it comes to a work environment and therefore these points that most people would consider common sense might not always be obvious at work. As always, good luck!
