The Importance of Relationships in the Workplace

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering the different types of work relationships, the various stages of relationships and how to build stronger, more meaningful relationships at work. But before we do all that, why do we even care? Why are relationships in the workplace important? Why read the following 400 words?

I could say “because I said so,” and move on, or even assume that you intrinsically know why, but that would not give proper emphasis to how important relationships truly are. Instead, we’re going to talk about 3 reasons relationships are vital to your success and well-being in any organization.

Not to be too obvious, but relationships are required for every single business that exists. Without other people, you’re not an organization but an individual. Even if you’re a sole proprietor, you’re going to need customers.

Regardless of your role or industry, relationships permeate your work. Managers, direct reports, peers, clients, suppliers””they’re all names for the same thing: relationships. Why are relationships important in business? Because they are business.

2 – Strong relationships lead to better work.

OK, so #1 is obvious and doesn’t really suggest why you should put effort into your relationships. If they’re going to exist anyway, why make an effort to grow them?

It turns out having strong relationships leads to better work. Not only will creating relationships with customers often lead to more sales, it can also create more business through word of mouth. Strong relationships also improve your internal organization. Recent studies have shown that strengthening relationships at work improves morale, increases engagement and leads to greater satisfaction at work.

3 – Healthy relationships improve health.

Maybe you feel like you already have strong relationships because you’re either a dominant force of nature or being bullied by a peer. It’s might get results (not necessarily the ones you want) but it’s not healthy or as productive as it could be.

Though it seems redundant, it’s true: healthy relationships (those with mutual trust, respect and understanding) improve your physical health (that thing that determines whether or not you’re alive / for how long).  What makes them healthy? Studies have shown that people with strong, healthy relationships and social circles tend to live longer, respond better to stress, and have enhanced immune systems.