A recent study by UBS had Hong Kong workers clocking in an average of 50 hours a week. That’s over 2,600 hours in the office per year, making Hong Kongers one of the hardest working people in the world. Considering we spend so much of our lives in close proximity with a wide range of people with differing personalities, we must learn to work well with others. In order to maintain a healthy work environment and be successful in our careers, not to mention enjoy the time we spend in the office, it’s crucial to develop lasting peer-to-peer work relationships. Here are some key ways to forge deeper connections with your colleagues.
Give before you can expect to take. The best relationships in life, not just in the office, are those that are reciprocal. If someone suspects you’re only talking to them because you’re expecting something in return, the relationship is over before it even had a chance to begin. When starting a new connection, be as helpful and open as you can without the desire for something in return. Keep the other person’s needs in mind should you come across something that may be helpful to them. Once you have built trust, it will be easier to reach out when you do need support of your own.
Connect on a personal level. The best work relationships are built on more than just the mere fact that you work together. To cultivate a stronger bond, find something outside of work that connects you. Perhaps you share a love of running or Japanese horror movies. Build on that. People are going to be more receptive to you if you have something in common besides your place of employment, and the more you commonalities you share, the more likely the relationship will be deeper and beneficial to you both in the long run.
Schedule time to build relationships. Like all relationships, it’s going to take some time and concentrated effort to develop something meaningful and lasting. Dedicate time together by scheduling coffee breaks or lunches together at regular intervals for consistency. If you don’t want to be so formal, make it a point to invite them to join you for an impromptu lunch or happy hour drink instead.
Expand relationships outside your department. While it may not be overtly evident how someone working in the legal department can advance your career in IT or finance, you’d be missing out on a great opportunity to expand your network if you stick to building relationships with just the people within your department or team. These differences are what will help you learn new things, be exposed to new ideas, and think in new and interesting ways.
Practice common courtesy. No matter who you encounter at the office, whether you’re trying to build a relationship with them or not, always have good manners and be personable. Smile, greet people by name when you pass them in the hallways, make eye contact, and be respectful. You don’t want to be known as known as the coworker in the office who’s standoffish, or worse, just out to connect with those who can help advance your career.
