Better Together: 7 practices for building strong workplace relationships

Relationships take work. Whether you’re married or single, have a small, intimate friend circle or a large friend group you connect with, the truth is good relationships of any kind require effort, trust, and even sacrifice. But the benefits we receive and bestow from good relationships are worth the work. The same holds true for workplace relationships. 

Whether it’s a Monday morning team debrief or a quick one-on-one hallway chat, our workplace interactions shape more than just our day. They shape our motivation, well-being, and long-term career satisfaction. In a world where hybrid schedules and tight deadlines often take center stage, building meaningful work relationships might feel like an elective endeavor. In reality, it’s a necessity.

Why workplace relationships matter

Strong workplace relationships aren't just about getting along or forming friendships. They’re about thriving. They’re about boosting innovation, collaboration, and motivation. A workplace can operate as a well-oiled machine when there’s trust among team members. Here are a few reasons workplace relationships matter:

• They form allies. Having trusted colleagues to collaborate with, bounce ideas off, and lean on can transform your professional experience. Having team members you trust to support your endeavors and offer high-quality feedback can be invaluable. This ‘allyship’ only comes through crafting workplace relationships. 

• They’re good for everyone’s well-being. Good workplace relationships don't just give you allies you can trust, they contribute to your well-being. A recent study published in BioMed Central found that feelings of well-being amongst individuals were enhanced trusting, collaborative, and positive work interactions. Researchers observed that physical symptoms presented in response to the state of work relationships. Further, they influenced sleeping and eating patterns, socializing, exercise, and even energy. Crafting meaningful and trusting relationships at work, therefore, could improve your overall well-being and efficiency.

• They boost motivation, morale, and trust. Feeling supported and seen by team members can build confidence and, in turn, boost workplace motivation and morale. According to a survey by Indeed, 94% of workers say they are happier when they feel confident at work, and 98% say they perform better when they feel confident. Teams with strong interpersonal bonds are more confident and likely to go the extra mile—not because they have to, but because they want to.

• They smooth collaboration and communication. Teams with healthy workplace relationships generally communicate more effectively and easily. It can be much easier and more productive to communicate with someone you already have a working relationship with rather than someone you’ve only spoken to out of necessity. Smooth workplace collaboration doesn’t just happen— it requires clear communication. Building workplace relationships can improve your collaborative efforts.

How can we build great workplace relationships? These seven practices can help you craft meaningful workplace relationships. Let’s dive in.

7 Practices for crafting meaningful workplace relationships

1. Active listening

Don’t just hear, listen. Engaging in conversation in the workplace is important for building familiarity and trust. Active listening shows respect and genuine interest in the other, can deepen the relationship, and establishes a feeling of safety. Active listening means holding eye contact, asking questions, and resisting the urge to jump in with your own thoughts or agenda. It also means following up. If a team member mentions in a conversation that they have plans to speak with a potential client, follow-up with them. Ask how the meeting went and what they thought of the client. Next time you find yourself speaking to a workmate, practice your active listening skills and notice the difference it makes.

2. Build empathy

Empathy is a highly sought after trait in workplace leadership. It’s so desired, in fact, that it was ranked as the second most important trait a boss could possess. Members of the workforce seek out those who are able to understand their needs and respond with compassion and support. 

So, what does empathy look like in the workplace? The best way to express empathy is through strong communication, seeking feedback, and showing a deep interest and care for your workmates’ needs. Viewing a situation from the perspective of another can help you support your team better and reduce workplace friction. 

3. Provide positive interactions

Small acts—like expressing gratitude, giving recognition, or simply offering a kind word—go a long way. These moments build trust and contribute to a more uplifting work culture. In fact, positive workplace interactions have been linked to increased job satisfaction and improved mental health. Never underestimate the power of a simple, positive interaction—complimenting a team member’s recent accomplishment, asking how their weekend was, or simply smiling as you pass through the office. 

4. Strive for open communication

Studies show 90% of employees are more likely to stay with a company that prioritizes the employee’s voice and feedback. Feeling heard is a crucial part of a positive workplace experience. Open communication is at the heart of feeling heard and building relationships. And, since healthy relationships rely on clear, honest communication, it means being transparent about expectations, addressing issues early, and being willing to engage in tough but respectful conversations. It also means cultivating an environment that welcomes honest feedback and takes every voice into account. Don’t let your workplace relationships suffer from a lack of clear communication.

Read: 6 tips for improving communication and overcoming attitudinal barriers

5. Lean into your emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Being aware of your own emotions—and those of others—helps you navigate conflict, support team members in times of stress, and respond more thoughtfully in tense situations. Psychological research also suggests that well-developed emotional intelligence is essential for achieving the goals of an organization, increasing leadership effectiveness, and boosting overall job satisfaction. If you want to build or improve interoffice relationships, try getting in touch with your EQ. 

Read: Emotional Intelligence: What it is and how to improve yours

6. Set and respect boundaries

Good relationships are built on mutual respect, which includes honoring each other’s time, workload, and need for work-life balance. When boundaries are acknowledged and upheld, trust grows. If you want to build a trusting workplace relationship, make sure to set clear workplace boundaries for yourself and adhere to the boundaries others put in place. Whether it’s not taking work calls after office hours or having a private lunch break to decompress, the boundaries we set for ourselves are a necessary element to maintaining motivation and rekindling our energy. Earn a deeper respect–and a deeper relationship–by respecting your boundaries and the boundaries of others. 

Read: Burnout proof: Your guide to avoiding workplace burnout

7. Set time in and out of office to develop relationships

Relationship-building doesn’t end when the work day does. Whether it’s grabbing lunch, chatting during breaks, or attending a work social, spending time together beyond the confines of a cubicle helps deepen understanding and camaraderie. Even five extra minutes of personal connection can have lasting ripple effects. Try finding small windows of time to spend intentionally on deepening your work relationships.

Workplace relationships are more than a nice-to-have—they’re crucial to personal growth, team success, and organizational health. In environments where people feel heard and respected, everyone thrives. Next time you pass a colleague in the hallway or attend a team call, keep in mind that interaction might be the beginning of something powerful.

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