Have you ever thought about how much time you spend in the office daily? If you have not done so before, we invite you to stop reading for a moment and do the calculation. It is only when we are aware of the number of hours we spend at the workplace that it becomes more important what and how we do things in the workplace, including the coexistence and relationship we have with our colleagues.
Since we spend a large part of our week at work, generating a good atmosphere is essential, as well as having a good working environment, creating and caring for working relationships because it has a direct impact on individual well-being and that of all the people who form part of the team. For this reason, we would like to propose a series of tips for good coexistence at work, so that the work environment is conducive to everyone.
11 TIPS FOR A GOOD WORK ENVIRONMENT
Respect
Regardless of the position of different colleagues and peers, it is essential to put hierarchies aside when it comes to respect. Whether of equal, higher or lower rank than our own, all the team must be treated with consideration, i.e., no disrespect.
Cooperation
One of the keys to a good coexistence is to always work on cooperation over competition. Although individual competitiveness may encourage the desire to excel, in a group it is not so positive. It is better to join efforts with all members to have better results and to achieve a better atmosphere and collective predisposition.
Education
Have some basic gestures of coexistence: greet when arriving at work and say goodbye when leaving; say thank you when someone has a generous act with us; return the things they leave us; ask permission when we want to use something that is not ours; share; ask for forgiveness when we do something that has not been appropriate and, although it seems obvious, answer when we are spoken to.
Interest
Knowing the people you work with leads to a better work environment. It is not necessary to know all the details of their lives, but in large companies something as essential as knowing their name and position is. And, in smaller teams, you can give yourself the opportunity to have more dealings that will make relationships flow more smoothly.
Cell phone use
When talking to someone, don’t look at your cell phone. It’s a sign that you’re not paying attention and can be very annoying. When someone is talking to you, listen carefully and look them in the eye. Likewise, in a team meeting, even if you are not participating, using your cell phone is a sign that you are not listening to your colleagues and that you believe that some people have a more valid opinion than others.
Voice volume
Try to use a neutral voice volume, so as not to disturb the other people you work with. It is neither comfortable to have a volume so low that you have to be constantly asked to repeat what you have said, nor so loud that it can be aggressive to the receiver or very annoying to the people with whom you live in the workplace.
Let them express themselves
When someone gives you their opinion, listen carefully and don’t interrupt. Let each person express his or her ideas at his or her own pace and, if you consider it necessary to add information, express it tactfully and thank him or her for his or her intervention. Not all people have the facility to express themselves fluently and intervene and not letting them finish is to leave them in evidence.
Odors
Respecting your colleagues also means controlling odors. It is not only about having good personal hygiene but also about watching the amount of perfume we wear or being careful with the scents used to perfume the environment. Aromas can be very annoying, even affecting concentration.
Comments
Avoid making a comment in public that might upset a colleague. Try to talk to that person in private and not embarrass him or her. On the other hand, avoid getting involved in rumors, as well as avoiding arguments or quarrels when you are upset, as they may jeopardize the work environment.
Order
Keep your workspace clean and tidy. Eliminate everything that is unnecessary and have everything that is useful so that you and your colleagues can easily find it. If you make a mess, clean up afterward to promote general tidiness and cleanliness.
Punctuality
Being on time for work is a sign of respect towards your colleagues since time is very valuable for everyone and arriving at the agreed time is a sign of consideration towards your colleagues.