MAINTAINING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR OFFICE FAMILY

For most Americans, a 40 hour work week is the bare minimum. Half of Americans spend more time at work with their co-workers than outside of work with their families and friends. Offices and workplaces often bond into a type of family, and no family is perfect or without disagreement. Given high demands and tight deadlines, business agility depends on each individual’s ability to set standards for healthy work relationships. Here are some steps to follow:

Set Boundaries and Standards Before They Can Be Broken

When entering into a new team or community, it’s important to set standards so there are no surprises later. Look deep into your personality and work habits, and find your strengths, weaknesses, and pet peeves. Maybe even ask a friend who you know will be honest. If you can’t work when other people are on the phone, or if you want to wear headphones to signal “do not disturb,” step up sooner rather than later and let your office mates know. Make sure to ask them for their preferences as well, and do your best to honor them. It’s best to deal with annoyances immediately, not when they’ve built into unresolved tension.

Embrace The Silence

You and your co-workers have to be civil, but you don’t have to be best friends. Let a relationship develop organically and don’t feel pressured to connect on a deeper level, especially if you’re brand new. You’ll have plenty of time to learn interesting things about the people in your office, and it’s most important that you learn interesting things about your new job and how well your skills fit it.

Remember That Fun Isn’t Mandatory

While it may enhance relationships to attend outside events with co-workers, you don’t have to go to every office activity, especially if it comes at the cost of your health. Your place of work will respect that you have outside priorities involving family and friends. There will be important work-sponsored events and times when you don’t have other plans, and you will be happy to attend. But there may be times you don’t have the energy to participate in extracurricular activities like happy hours or kick ball games. Remember that it’s impossible to pour from a glass that’s already empty. Put your health first and know when to celebrate and when to rest.