A good employer invests in people through training, support and opportunities to develop. But the way colleagues treat one another also matters to the experience of work.
When I wrote this article in 2018, I had been with the same PR agency for more than twelve years. The work continued to change so much that it often felt like a new job. Alongside that variety, the people around me were an important part of enjoying the role.
You do not need every colleague to become a close friend. There is still a great deal of value in taking an interest in the people you spend much of the week working with. Here are three reasons to make room for those relationships.
1. It is easier to ask for support
Work can be demanding, and it helps to know the people around you. A conversation over coffee on Monday morning is not automatically time wasted: it can make it easier to understand how a colleague is doing.
When people feel comfortable speaking to one another, they may be more willing to ask a question, share a concern or offer help. A considerate working relationship gives those conversations a better starting point.
The practical lesson is simple: make space for contact that is not limited to asking for the next deliverable.
2. You can learn from how others work
Look at a colleague who handles a large workload well. How do they organise tasks, prepare for meetings or maintain concentration? Working closely with others gives you a chance to observe and discuss different approaches.
Share your own methods too. A useful habit or a small improvement may help somebody else, particularly when a project has a demanding deadline.
That exchange is easier when the relationship is already open and respectful. It turns individual experience into something the wider team can use.
3. It creates room for ideas
Some of the best conversations happen informally, before an idea is ready for a presentation. Feeling comfortable with colleagues can make it easier to voice an unfinished thought and see where the discussion leads.
That matters in a creative profession. An idea that initially seems small may prompt another person to see a new angle. Give one another the opportunity to contribute without immediately expecting a complete answer.
Our article on encouraging creative PR ideas explores how different perspectives can help a team develop a stronger concept.
Start with attention and listening
Investing in colleagues does not require a complicated programme. Take an interest, ask how things are going and listen carefully. Offer help when you can, and recognise the effort somebody has made.
Those habits contribute to the kind of team people want to be part of. Learn more about the people at Progress Communications or read our advice on supporting employees in their work.
Inger
More news ›