4 Things to Do to Show Your Co-workers You Care - The Muse

4 Things to Do to Show Your Co-workers You Care - The Muse4 Things to Do to Show Your Co-workers You CareWhether you consider this fact disheartening or motivating, you cant deny its truth You probably spend mora time with your co-workers than you do with anyone else.When youre in the geschftszimmer at least 40 hours per week, the people you work with become a big part of your life. So it pays to have solid relationships with them.Not only does that give you a strategic advantage in the workplace (hey, it never hurts to be well-liked), it also makes work that much more enjoyable.If you dont consider yourself particularly close with your colleagues, dont worry- cultivating a more caring and supportive atmosphere at work doesnt need to be a complicated undertaking.Here are four super simple things you can do to show your co-workers that you care and, as a result, make your office a place that you look forward to spending time in.1. Offer HelpThink of the last time you were struggling a t work. Maybe you were swamped and overwhelmed, or perhaps you were stuck on a challenging project.Wouldnt it have been nice if someone had stopped by your desk and provided some advice? Or even offered to take something off your plate? Wouldnt that alone have made you feel so much more valued and supported?Absolutely. So, why not do that same thing for a colleague? When you see someone whos stressed or confused, just ask Is there anything I can do to help?Even if your co-worker doesnt actually take you up on your offer, just the fact that you recognized the challenge and wanted to do something about it goes a long way in fostering a more empathetic culture.2. Get PersonalNo, you dont need to get too personal- after all, youre still in the office.But, even though youre in a work setting, aim to forge a relationship with the whole person- not just a job title.This means that the more you can get to know about your colleagues interests and passions outside the office, the easier it wi ll be to connect with them on a more human level.Whether its asking about his marathon training or admiring her desktop background featuring a photo from her recent vacation, dont neglect to strike up the occasional small talk. Doing so will demonstrate your investment in them, while also giving you common ground that you can use to connect even further.3. Provide RecognitionEverybody loves to get a pat on the back for a job well done- thats universal. But gratitude and adequate recognition can easily fall by the wayside when were wrapped up in the chaos of our everyday lives.Step up and be that colleague who always applauds the hard work of your team members. Maybe that involves sending a quick Slack message to let her know how much you enjoyed her presentation. Or, perhaps it means highlighting your co-workers contributions when your anfhrer commends you for your own hard work on a recent project.These sorts of comments might seem small, but they can make a huge impact when it com es to helping others in your office feel valued.4. Do Something NiceLittle acts of kindness wont go unnoticed- particularly in the office. So, whens the last time you did something nice just because you felt like it?Go ahead and pick up some bagels on your way into work one morning (when in doubt, free food is always effective). When youre heading out for lunch, ask that colleague who looks insanely busy if you can get anything for him.Your co-workers are koranvers to appreciate those little niceties and treats that you sneak in every now and then. Plus, as an added bonus, doing these sorts of things makes you feel good tooThese four strategies are great for showing your co-workers that you actually care about them. And theyre incredibly simple and take almost zero effort on your part.So, if youre eager to forge better, more supportive relationships with your colleagues (and if you arent, you definitely should be), put these four tips to work. Youre sure to become one of the most-li ked people in your office- while simultaneously cultivating a more positive atmosphere for your entire team.