10 ways to make the office a friendlier place

If you're like most people, you spend more waking hours at work than anywhere else. You don't have to be friends with your co-workers, but you do need to be friendly. Read on for fresh ways to make work a happier place to be.

1. Learn the art of small talk. Ask your co-workers about their interests – their favourite music, films, books, hobbies. Showing a genuine interest in them will make them feel comfortable around you.
2. Join the office sports team. Many offices have a sports team, be it hockey, soccer, tennis or softball, and joining in is a great way to enjoy some exercise while you get to know your co-workers.
3. Here's one for the boss: always work at least as hard as anyone working with or for you. Make it clear that you would never ask anyone to do a level of work you wouldn't be willing to take on yourself.
4. Always be on time to show you respect other people's time.
5. Express your good ideas in a way that makes it clear that they are not the only good ideas, and that others may have equally good insights to add.
6. Talk about your life outside the office when it's appropriate. This will remind the people you work with that you're a person first, not just an employee or employer.
7. Ladle out the compliments. Did Tom fix the office photocopier – again? Has Ann stopped smoking? By all means, compliment your co-workers on their achievements – personal or professional. Too often, we focus on what people are doing wrong.
8. Ask what they think. People love to be asked their opinion, so go out of your way to ask, "What do you think is missing from this report?" or "How do you think I should handle this situation with X?" Then give the advice-giver a sincere thank you, even if the ideas are less than helpful.
9. When dealing with a difficult co-worker, pretend your children are watching. This simple visualization technique will help you to keep a cool head. After all, you've taught your children to have good manners. With them "watching," it will be difficult to stoop to the level of your infuriating co-worker.
10. Avoid gossip. You don't want anyone talking about you behind your back, so return the favour. When a co-worker sidles up to you bearing some gossip about an office romance or someone's impending firing, respond with, "Really?" Then change the subject or get back to work. If you don't respond, the gossiper will move on – and you'll retain the trust and respect of your co-workers.