We don’t often get to choose who we work with, especially in larger companies. Relationships have a huge impact on our mental health and sometimes we are forced to work with people where we lack what I like to call ‘people chemistry’.
Some people we bounce off and work great with. These relationships help the workplace to be a happier place. These relationships are good for our mental health. What about our colleagues or perhaps clients that we have to work harder with? The people that sometimes tip us over the edge, those who make us reach for the wine or a cold beer after work?
The fact is we cannot be best friends with everyone and we all have certain things that make us tick. Sometimes relationships in the workplace can be difficult to manage; perhaps we have different goals and objectives. Perhaps we like to work differently and our styles clash.
Firstly it is important for us to realise that different people are needed to make a team. If everyone had the same skills and personality types then we would be lacking. As taxing as this can be at times, we need to learn to celebrate differences. Sometimes when conflict arises it can drag out.
There is nothing worse than being stuck in a meeting listening to those who want to shout the loudest. Those who love to put the world to rights. Hello, we are not in Westminster here, get on with it, I have a job list to get through and kids waiting at home. I have a cold beer waiting for me and the football to watch. Yes, we have all had days like this and meetings that drag on. Sometimes conflicting relationships can slow things down, hold us back and cause unnecessary stress. It’s what we learn from them that matters.
Each and every one of us needs to learn to listen more. No matter what level we are at, we need to think about everyone involved. We need to give people our time. Mental Health week for 2016 was all about nurturing our relationships.
Statistically 1 in 4 of us will be suffering from some form of mental health issue – be it anxiety, stress, depression or one of the many other conditions. Sadly, as there is still a lot of taboo around mental health issues, many will be afraid to talk openly in the workplace.
Many will want to put on a brave face and get on with it. If you can do one thing this week, it would be to take a moment to show empathy to someone. Give someone a bit more time than you normally would and see what happens. It might take an extra 5 or 10 minutes out of your day but it will be worth it because people don’t always remember what you do but they never forget how you make them feel.
