Having great relationships with the people you work with can positively impact your emotional well-being and professional success. Whether it’s venting about your manager or chit-chatting about the weekend plans, close bonds alleviate the stress you might be feeling in your current position. 

Bored Panda has reached out to Sharlyn Lauby, a human resources professional, speaker, and the voice behind HR Bartender, a blog dedicated to talking about different workplace issues. The site has been recognized as one of the “Top 5 Blogs HR Pros Love to Read” by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

She was kind enough to share her thoughts and insights about workplace relationships and what part they play in the office. According to Lauby, having good bonds with the people you work with is very important.

“Gallup [a global analytics and advice firm based in the United States] has some classic research that says there’s a correlation between having friends at work and employee engagement,” she told us. “It makes sense. No one really wants to spend the kind of time we do working with people that they don’t like being around.”

However, Lauby does feel the need to discuss what makes for a good working relationship. “This doesn’t mean that there won’t be challenges. All relationships have tough moments,” she added. “That’s one of the reasons building good working relationships is important. When you have a good working relationship, you can work through those challenging times a little easier.”

The desire to feel connected to others is a basic human need. The positive social interactions we have with each other can boost our mental and physical health. Besides the fact that getting along with your coworkers helps you get through difficult obstacles, it also makes the work environment more pleasant.

“Another benefit ties back to the definition of a good working relationship,” Lauby continued. “Hopefully, you can be yourself. When you build good relationships, this should allow you to feel safe and comfortable being your authentic self. It’s great for you as an individual and it’s great for the teams that you’re working with.”

If you want to improve the way you communicate with your colleagues and make the bonds even stronger, there are some things you should keep in mind. Lauby emphasized that credibility is one of the first things she thinks of when it comes to being a good coworker. 

“Do what you say you’re going to do. Deliver on time. Be that person others count on,” she elaborated. “And if for whatever reason you can’t, go to your colleague or team and let them know. Hopefully, before they figure it out. You can ask to renegotiate your commitment.”

On a final note, being a person of your word goes a long way in building relationships. Sharlyn Lauby wants to remind you that all of the things we discussed—strengthening personal bonds, being credible—are important for both in-person and virtual working relationships.