The Power of Relationships in the Workplace

Relationships are fundamental to thriving in any organisation, team, or group setting. Yet, despite their importance, some individuals overlook the value of cultivating workplace connections. There’s often a notion that work is separate from life—leading people to disengage from building relationships at work under the guise of keeping things “professional” rather than “personal.” 

This separation, however, is unrealistic. Work is undeniably part of your life; in fact, you often spend a significant portion of your day there—between four to twelve hours daily, totalling thousands of hours each year. It’s inevitable that these relationships will influence not just your performance but your overall well-being, affecting emotional, social, mental, and even physical health. 

Research in social psychology consistently shows that leaders who value relationships and lead with kindness and positive regard achieve better results. Leaders who are transparent, compassionate, and genuinely recognise each employee as an individual foster an environment where people feel valued. As a result, employees are more engaged, loyal, and productive, with lower turnover rates. Companies led by relationship-focused leaders often enjoy higher client satisfaction, improved financial outcomes, and enhanced shareholder returns. 

Employees perform best when they feel respected and cared for, which is why culture often influences their well-being more than salary or benefits. A Glassdoor study highlighted that company culture has a profound impact on employee happiness, which is also strongly linked to workplace achievement. Further research by psychologists Julia K. Boehm and Sonja Lyubomirsky confirmed that happiness is predictive of positive work outcomes, with “happiness” often derived from healthy, supportive workplace relationships.
 

Building Bonds: The Secret to Workplace Harmony 

Creating strong, positive relationships at work lies in mastering the Social and Emotional Intelligence competency known as Building Bonds. This competency involves nurturing and sustaining connections, building a broad network, and fostering authentic interactions.
 

What Does Building Bonds Look Like? 

Those with the Building Bonds competence: 

• Actively develop and maintain a wide network, sharing ideas and gathering support. 
• Build relationships that are mutually rewarding. 
• Foster rapport by staying connected and informed about others’ projects. 
• Form personal friendships with work associates. 
• Earn trust across all levels and departments. 
• Appreciate diverse backgrounds and perspectives. 
• Are well-connected within their organisation and community, knowing exactly whom to approach for solutions or guidance. 

In contrast, individuals lacking this skill may: 

• Struggle to relate to managers, peers, and direct reports. 
• Overlook the needs and perspectives of others.
• Sever relationships when challenges arise.
• See colleagues as competitors, hindering collaboration.
• Face barriers in getting support, as they lack connections within the organisation.
 

Are You Ready to Develop this Competency?  

Building Bonds is essential for creating a cohesive work environment. Here are some practical steps to strengthen this skill for yourself and your team:  

Evaluate Your Current Workplace Relationships 

Take a moment to reflect on how your relationships impact your role and overall job satisfaction. Are there areas where relationships with colleagues help you succeed, or are there gaps that hinder your effectiveness? Consider both your positive and challenging relationships. This analysis helps you identify strengths to build on and areas to improve. For example, you might notice that your rapport with a particular team enables smoother project completion, while a lack of connection in another area slows things down. 

Seek Feedback on Relationship-Building Skills 

Ask for honest feedback from colleagues or a mentor to understand how others perceive your relational style. Sometimes, there may be blind spots that prevent us from seeing our interactions clearly. For example, colleagues might see you as too task-focused or reserved. Constructive feedback helps you understand areas you may overlook and offers insights into small adjustments that could significantly impact team dynamics. 

Engage Informally with Colleagues 

Regularly meet with colleagues outside formal work settings. Coffee catch-ups, lunch breaks, or short chats can reveal a lot about your team members’ roles, challenges, and perspectives. For example, a casual coffee meeting can help you discover mutual interests, making it easier to relate and collaborate on projects. This approach also fosters a sense of belonging and mutual understanding, helping everyone feel valued and appreciated. 

Offer Assistance During High Workloads 

Extend a helping hand when you see colleagues overwhelmed by their workload. Even small gestures—like offering to review a document, help with research, or brainstorm solutions—demonstrate your willingness to support. This cultivates goodwill and reinforces a collaborative spirit. Remember, helping others proactively builds reciprocal relationships, making it more likely that others will support you when you’re in need. 

Ask for Support When You Need It 

Being open to others' assistance shows vulnerability, making you more relatable and approachable. Asking for advice or guidance demonstrates respect for your colleagues’ expertise, strengthening mutual trust. For instance, if you’re facing a new challenge, reaching out for advice can foster collaboration and may reveal helpful strategies. Seeking support is a powerful way to engage others, allowing them to feel valued and respected. 

Balance Task Focus with Relationship Building 

While productivity is essential, it’s equally important to connect with the people around you. Being overly focused on tasks may make you seem distant or disinterested in your team members. Find moments during your day to check in with colleagues, celebrate small wins, or simply ask how they’re doing. Even brief interactions—like showing appreciation or asking about their day—contribute to a balanced approach that values both tasks and people. 

Attend Organisational and Community Events  

Participating in events like holiday gatherings, team-building days, and industry conferences provides natural opportunities to connect with others. Showing up to these events communicates a commitment to team unity and organisational culture. For instance, attending a company picnic or awards ceremony is a chance to celebrate others’ achievements and share in collective accomplishments, which builds camaraderie and deepens workplace bonds. 

Build Networks within Your Professional Community 

Develop relationships beyond your immediate workplace by attending conferences, networking events, and industry seminars. Proactively reach out to leaders and peers in your field to exchange ideas, discuss trends, or seek mentorship. These relationships provide valuable industry insights, inspire innovative ideas, and potentially open doors for collaborations. For example, connecting with a fellow industry professional at a seminar may lead to future partnerships or projects. 

Engage in Community Service or Local Events 

Involvement in community initiatives not only strengthens your external network but also enhances your interpersonal skills. Volunteering or participating in community events lets you connect with diverse people, often in meaningful ways. This engagement demonstrates empathy, a core component of social and emotional intelligence. As you collaborate with local business leaders or elected officials, you broaden your perspective and bring new insights back to your workplace relationships.
 

Strengthening Workplace Bonds for Greater Impact 

Investing in workplace relationships is not just beneficial; it is essential. Healthy connections at work contribute significantly to job satisfaction, personal growth, and organisational resilience. By nurturing these bonds, we create supportive, collaborative environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The process is continuous and involves consistent effort, empathy, and openness. Start building those bonds today—your team, your organisation, and your own well-being will thank you.
 

We are Here to Help

At People Builders, we have a team of expert trainers and coaches who will help you and your team develop the competency of Building Bonds and many other Social and Emotional Intelligence competencies. Contact us today for a quick chat to see how we can partner with you to train and coach you and your team.