Build Better Relationships with Your Colleagues with These 3 Tips

Think back to when you first started at your job. You were probably nervous, not just about the workload, but about how you'd fit in with the people you work with. Whether working remotely or in the same workplace, those relationships are important to feeling accepted, and feeling like a real member of the team.

No, you don't have to be best friends with everyone you work with, but it is very important that colleagues know each other beyond just the work you do. We've got 3 great tips to help your team connect more smoothly and easily.

1. Incorporate "team trivia" into staff meetings or internal communications.

The last thing you want to do is put people on the spot or make it awkward. So, instead, why not make it FUN for your team to learn more about each other?

Send around a survey of fun facts for every employee to fill out about themselves. Then, when you have your company all-hands, post 3 trivia questions based on your employees' responses. For example:

• Whose dog is named "Gizmo"?
• Which coworker had their first job on a dairy farm?
• Where did Margaret grow up?

If your team gets REALLY into it, you can keep track of who gets the most answers right and offer a prize at the end of the year!

2. Plan a team-building "Speed Networking" event

Networking isn't just for external connections, you know. We love getting to know our colleagues more deeply, establishing stronger connections that help build trust and camaraderie, but also make work more fun and fulfilling.

We recommend 52 Connections, a fun, facilitated event that brings your team together for virtual "speed networking" that helps them develop a stronger quality AND quantity of relationships with coworkers. It's a homerun!

3. Introduce a "Buddy System" for your new hires.

When you have new hires join the team, they could really use some help getting acclimated to the company, introduced to key people, and finding their groove. So, don't leave that to chance! Assign them a buddy to help them find their way!

A "buddy" could be someone who volunteers or applies for the role, or it could be a rotation among the employees to ensure everyone gets a chance. Regardless, a buddy can help make intros, answer questions, and help new team members learn more about the company culture and how they fit into it.

If you believe that building stronger relationships is important for employees, then you have to make it a priority. Especially if your team is working remotely or hybrid, your company needs to make the space and initiate the activities that bring people together. 

Luckily, these activities don't have to be hard. With a little planning, you can make them a steady part of your team's regular routine!

Need help creating a better way for your employees to connect? Want to check out 52 Connections for your company? We'd love to help!