Starting a new job can feel a bit like being the new kid at school all over again. You want to prove yourself, deliver early wins, and show you’re the right fit. But beyond just getting the work done, building strong relationships with your colleagues is one of the smartest moves you can make — for your success and your happiness at work.
Why It Matters
Good relationships at work aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re the foundation of everything from feeling comfortable in your role, to learning faster, to genuinely enjoying your day-to-day. When you build trust and camaraderie with your team, you’re more likely to:
- Get support when you need it
- Collaborate smoothly on projects
- Feel part of something bigger than just a job
- Gain allies who will advocate for you down the line
- Navigate challenges more easily
Especially now, with many teams working remotely or in hybrid setups, relationships don’t just happen naturally. You need to put a bit of effort in to create those connections that turn colleagues into collaborators — and maybe even friends.
How to Build Strong Relationships in Your New Job
- Be Friendly and Take the Initiative
Start simple: say hello, smile, and introduce yourself. Don’t wait for others to come to you. Reach out to your teammates to learn about their roles or ask if they want to grab a virtual or in-person coffee. Showing genuine interest goes a long way.
Example: If you notice a colleague grabbing coffee in the kitchen, say, “Hi, I’m [Your Name]. I’m new here — how long have you been on the team?” Even a quick chat like this can open the door for future conversations. - Offer Your Help (Without Overcommitting)
If you see a way to support a colleague or contribute to a project, step up. But don’t say yes to everything — it’s okay to set boundaries. Being reliable and helpful is about quality, not quantity.
Example: Your team is preparing a report and someone mentions they’re short on time. You might say, “I’ve got some capacity this afternoon — happy to help with the data analysis if you like.” But if your own workload is full, it’s fine to say, “I wish I could help, but I’m at full capacity right now. Maybe next time?” - Join In on Team Activities
Whether it’s lunch breaks, team chats, or virtual socials, make time to join informal gatherings. These moments build bonds outside of task lists and deadlines.
Example: If your team has a weekly Friday video call to wind down, try to join for 10 minutes even if you’re busy. It’s a chance to hear what’s on people’s minds and show you’re part of the team beyond work tasks. - Communicate Openly and Honestly
If you’re struggling with your workload or need clarification, speak up early. Keeping people in the loop builds trust and avoids misunderstandings.
Example: If you’re juggling multiple deadlines, send a quick message like, “I’m currently focused on the X project, so I might need a bit more time with Y. Would that work for you?” This kind of transparency helps avoid misunderstandings. - Show Up and Engage in Meetings
Turn on your camera if you can, contribute your thoughts, and listen actively. Being present shows you’re invested and helps people put a face to the name.
Example: In a virtual meeting, you might say, “I agree with Sarah’s point about the deadline — can I suggest we add a quick check-in midway to keep on track?” Even small contributions like this show you’re engaged. - Be Positive and Avoid Office Gossip
A positive attitude is magnetic. Steering clear of gossip and negativity keeps your reputation solid and builds respect.
Example: If someone starts a negative conversation about a colleague, try to steer it elsewhere with something like, “I haven’t heard that, but I really appreciate how helpful Mark has been to me so far.” - Learn Your Team’s Communication Style
Some colleagues prefer quick messages, others like detailed emails or face-to-face chats. Observing and adapting to different styles will help your conversations flow better.
Example: You might notice your manager prefers quick calls over emails — so next time you need a quick answer, pick up the phone rather than sending a long email. - Be Patient and Consistent
Building genuine relationships takes time. Keep being approachable, helpful, and authentic — it all adds up.
Example: Maybe you don’t click with everyone straight away — that’s okay. Keep checking in with a “How’s your week going?” or “Need a hand with anything?” Those little moments build trust over time.
Starting a new role is a big step, and focusing on your relationships can make the difference between just working somewhere and truly belonging. You don’t need to be best friends with everyone, but having a network of trusted colleagues will help you thrive in your career.
For more practical tips and guidance, visit our Career Advice Hub to keep building your skills and confidence. And if you’re still on the lookout for your next role, why not explore our latest opportunities on our Job Search page?