Building Strong Work Relationships a High Priority, Even in Tough Economic Times
Lean economic times do not appear to have harmed work relationships, a new survey suggests. Eighty-seven percent of professionals interviewed recently said they have a good rapport with their supervisors and 95 percent get along well with coworkers. In fact, slightly more respondents today described their relationships with supervisors and peers as “very good” than did participants in a 2005 survey on the same subject.
Workers were asked, “In general, how would you describe your relationship with your supervisor?” Their responses: 62 percent said “very good;” 22 percent said “good;” 6 percent said “fair;” 2 percent said “poor;” and 5 percent either didn't have a supervisor or didn't have a response.
Workers also were asked, “In general, how would you describe your relationship with your coworkers?” Their responses: 70 percent said “very good;” 25 percent said “good;” 3 percent said “fair;” and 2 percent don't have coworkers.
“In good times and bad, building strong relationships with peers and supervisors is a priority for most professionals,” said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps. “Employers must continually nurture a culture in which employees feel valued and engaged -- workers who enjoy interacting with each other not only make the office more pleasant, but also produce better work.”
Messmer added, “Colleagues who have established strong rapport are more likely to support one another when presented with challenges or new responsibilities. Employers should look for opportunities to strengthen ties with their staff and help them bond with each other, such as by assigning mentors and encouraging people to assist those with rising workloads.”
Source: Accountemps; www.accountemps.com.
Reprinted with permission. © CCH
(Submitted June 2009)
<p>When workers develop a strong rapport with their colleagues, they are more likely to support one another in good and bad times. Employers should look for opportunities to continue strengthening these ties. </p>
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