The power of positive relationships at work

Teamwork makes the dream work; however, it can be easy to forget the two key tenets of positive workplace relationships, which are foundational to effective teams: trust and communication.

For many of us, work is where we spend the majority of our waking hours, making the need for positive workplace interactions and trusting relationships all the more important.

Employee engagement is essential in this context, as it boosts productivity and contributes to a healthier organisational culture.

How to build trust for better relationships

“Without trust, employees don’t feel empowered or safe to collaborate and share information,” Murdoch University academic and organisational psychologist Graeme Ditchburn said.

“Organisations with a greater degree of trust between leaders and employees and stronger interpersonal connections within and between teams are more effective at communicating, adapting to change and innovating, as well as maintaining higher levels of safety.

“Greater collaboration and stronger interpersonal work relationships enable stakeholders to see the wider picture of organisational functionality and identify growth opportunities, as well as improvements in processes and systems.”

Trust allows team members to share and enhance their own ideas, fostering a culture of innovation and mutual respect. Ensuring all team members are on the same page is crucial for fostering better collaboration and understanding.

Building effective teams

Interpersonal relationships are also vital to maintaining improved mental health in the workplace and a positive work environment, which, according to Dr Ditchburn, act as a buffer when faced with challenges both within and outside the workplace.

“As such, we see lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression where employees have stronger interpersonal relationships at work,” he said.

Workplace relationships are also important in mitigating and solving both interpersonal and work-related problems by providing an emotionally grounded connection to offset negative face-value judgements, which would otherwise arise with unfamiliar people.

“It’s always easier to go to somebody with a problem or a challenge when you already have a relationship with them, and that really comes around to building trust and sharing a bit of your vulnerable side,” emotional intelligence specialist Amy Jacobson said.

“When somebody is coming to you with an issue and you don’t have that grounding emotional connection to the person, the natural fight or flight gets triggered within us and, unfortunately, it’s our emotional brain which is driving us and not our logical brain, so things tend to go downhill from there.”

Why conflict isn't always a bad thing

It is unreasonable to expect workplace relationships always to be positive, as the stress of deadlines, deliverables and promises to clients can lead to conflict and test people’s patience. 

“If you have a relationship which is positive 100 per cent of the time, then I would question how honest and transparent people are being,” Ms Jacobson said.

While conflict, no matter how big or small, is inevitable, Access Wellbeing Services Accredited Mediator and Counsellor Karolien van Ark said that when addressed appropriately, workplace conflict could lead to many positive outcomes.

“Drawing on my experience as both a mediator and counsellor, I’ve seen how conflict resolution fosters relief, empathy and mutual respect among colleagues,” she said.

Nonverbal communication and active listening

Nonverbal cues can enhance or contradict verbal messages, leading to potential misunderstandings.

Active listening and recognising nonverbal signals, such as body language and facial expressions, is crucial in understanding and resolving conflicts effectively. 

Ms Jacobson said clear and effective communication helps ensure information is conveyed accurately and understood correctly. The tone of voice used during these stressful times can also significantly influence the outcome of conflict resolution.

“I’ve witnessed teams emerge from conflict with better collaboration, open dialogue and a more inclusive problem-solving approach," she said.

“Ultimately, resolving conflicts with empathy and understanding leads to personal growth, emotional regulation and a more supportive, productive work culture.”

Check in with yourself for positive outcomes 

When tensions run high, emotions inevitably follow suit, which is why both Ms van Ark and Ms Jacobson recommended checking in on your emotional state during any type of disagreement or workplace conflict.

“By managing your emotional responses, you can keep the conversation constructive and focused on resolution,” Ms van Ark said.

“One of the biggest things we should be aware of is emotional hijacks, which is when somebody in an emotional state is being driven by their emotional brain and the information hasn’t engaged their logical brain yet,” Ms Jacobson said.

“I always like to say when you can recognise somebody is in an emotional hijack, it doesn’t justify the way they’re behaving, but it certainly explains it.

“When someone’s in this highly emotional state and logic isn’t in play, trying to have a logical conversation with them is not really the answer.

“The best thing you can do is empathise, remembering that empathising is about recognising the emotion they’re feeling, not the situation.”

Managing emotions in the workplace can also positively impact one's personal life by enhancing social and emotional wellbeing, fostering deeper connections, and facilitating better problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Effective communication skills

Building and maintaining positive workplace relationships - whether in the heat of a disagreement or daily interactions - also relies on communication and the language you use, especially when considering the intended audience.

According to Ms van Ark, it is essential to practice empathy by considering the receiver’s perspective to ensure effective workplace communication. Additionally, maintaining eye contact is crucial as it conveys sincerity, confidence, and engagement during interactions.

“If you’re unsure about the meaning behind what a coworker is saying, paraphrasing their words and seeking clarification helps to prevent misunderstandings,” she said.

“For example, ask ‘If I understand correctly, you’re feeling frustrated because…’.

“This not only ensures clarity but also shows you are actively engaged and seeking to understand their perspective.”

Communicate effectively by staying calm under pressure 

Time and patience are two other key tenets to maintaining a positive workplace relationship during times of stress and dispute.

“Some of the basic things you can do in those circumstances is to learn how to pause – just count to three seconds in your head and take three deep breaths before you start to speak, this gives your logical brain a chance to kick in,” Ms Jacobson said.

“It also gives the other person a chance to actually get what it is they’re trying to say off their chest as well.

Active listening skills are crucial in these moments, as they help in resolving conflicts and maintaining patience.

“When you are in disagreement, it is important to take a step back and ask yourselves what the outcome you are seeking from this situation is,” Ms Jacobson said.

“Resolving conflicts takes time, so allow both yourself and the other person space to process thoughts and emotions,” Ms van Ark said.

“Rushing and not being an active listener can lead to hasty decisions or leave one party feeling unheard, so take the time needed for thoughtful resolution.” 

Managing stress and emotions

Managing stress and emotions is essential for effective communication. When we are stressed or emotional, we may communicate poorly, leading to misunderstandings and conflict. Here are some tips for managing stress and emotions:

Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety. These practices can calm your mind and improve your ability to communicate effectively.

Take breaks: Taking breaks can help reduce stress and improve focus. Short breaks throughout the day to stretch, move around, and rest your mind can make a significant difference in your overall wellbeing and communication skills.

Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood. Physical activity also enhances sleep quality, which is essential for maintaining good communication and cognitive function.

Get enough sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for effective communication. Lack of sleep can impair cognitive function, leading to poor communication and decision making. Ensure you get enough rest to stay sharp and articulate.

Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being present in the moment without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve focus, allowing you to communicate more clearly and thoughtfully.

Seek support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from colleagues, friends, and family members. Talking through challenges and emotions can help reduce stress and improve your ability to communicate effectively.

Enhance interpersonal skills: Emotional intelligence involves being aware of and managing your emotions. Developing emotional intelligence can help you navigate workplace interactions more smoothly, leading to better communication and relationships.

By following these tips, you can manage stress and emotions and build communication skills in the workplace, fostering a more positive and productive work environment.