It’s important to develop good relationships at work. They improve happiness, trust and engagement. Here are five ways to build strong, positive relationships at work!

1. Schedule time to build relationships. Pop over to a colleague’s desk, offer a coffee, or reply to a social media post. Devote time to building relationships, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.

2. Develop your emotional intelligence. Understanding your own emotional needs can help you to empathize with others.

3. Appreciate others. Everyone wants to feel appreciated. Whether it’s the CEO or the janitor, show your appreciation by complimenting a job well done.

4. Manage your boundaries. Building friendships is important. But if a relationship becomes distracting, it’s important to take action. Set clear boundaries around when and where it’s acceptable to socialize.

5. Avoid gossiping. If you are experiencing conflict with a colleague, gossiping will only exacerbate the problem. Instead, talk directly to the person involved and find a way to work together amicably.

Good relationships can improve all aspects of your working life and open doors to career progression.