7 Simple Ways to Make Your Coworkers Happy

What do workers like most about their jobs? Their peers. That’s one of the most remarkable findings from our 2015 Employee Engagement Report. People are no longer quitting their companies or their bosses — they're quitting their peers.

So ask yourself, how well do you get along with the folks you work with? If you're worried that some of your coworkers might not have the best opinion of you, consider making use of these seven tactics:

1. Care about what’s going on in your coworkers’ lives — or at least pretend to

People like it when you take an active interest in their lives. Your coworkers are no different. Even if you don’t want to do it, ask your coworkers questions that aren’t related to work. Find out where they’ve been. Find out what makes them tick. Ask about their families. But try not to pry too much or they'll think you're just a creepy coworker.

Your coworkers will appreciate your interest; you won’t be the weirdo who keeps quiet.

2. Listen to what your coworkers have to say

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When your coworkers tell you something, by all means listen to them. If your memory is shot, then take notes. Nobody wants to have to repeat themselves over and over again. It’s frustrating, to say the least.

The better a listener you are, the happier your colleagues will be.

3. Respect your coworkers’ boundaries

If the coworker who sits next to you has told you repeatedly that they can’t concentrate when you’re blasting music, shut your speakers off and grab your headphones instead. If you're constantly yapping with other folks while they're trying to work, take it elsewhere. And lastly, if you're constantly interrupting them, just stop. According to CubeSmart, the majority of employees require up to five minutes to recover from interruptions.

Even the most extroverted and easygoing individuals have their boundaries. You need to respect them if you want your workers to respect you back.

4. Thank your coworkers for helping you out

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It’s true that workers have to help one another out on a regular basis. Colleagues are employed by the same company, and they’re generally working toward the same goal.

Just because collaboration is routine doesn’t mean it should go unnoticed. Show gratitude when your coworkers help you out on a project. A simple thank-you can do the trick. If you want to take your game to the next level, buy them coffee or something.

5. Compliment your coworkers on a job well done

Everybody likes it when others notice the fruits of their labors. When your coworkers go above and beyond on a project or have been crushing it in sales lately, for example, congratulate them on a job well done.

In certain situations, your silence could be interpreted as jealousy or, worse yet, dislike.

6. Offer a helping hand

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Even those who take the most pride in their work can’t do everything on their own. When you see that one of your coworkers is struggling, offer to take some work off their plate — even if you’ve still got some things to do.

Your colleagues will undoubtedly notice your kind gestures. And chances are they’ll return the favor, taking work off your plate sometime in the future.

7. Be in the best mood you can be — every day

Everyone’s worked with a grumpy person at some point in their careers. Honestly, how awful is it to sit next to someone who constantly complains about everything?

Even if you’re having a bad day, try not to wear your emotions on your sleeve. Remain in a chipper mood as often as you can. Folks like working with people who brighten their days.

Remember that you interact constantly with your coworkers, and you're all in the trenches together. Try not to piss off your coworkers because you'll never know when you'll need their help one day.

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