Why Workplace Relationships Matter: How Seeing People Drives Productivity and Trust

Relationships Require You to See People

The world of work runs on relationships. We may wish to discount this idea, claim it isn’t fair, or say it shouldn’t matter — but it does.

The better your work relationships, the more effectively you can get things done, influence others, gain support for your ideas, and build trust. It's also more fun.

Relationships outlast roles and expertise

Roles and expertise are temporary. You may be the boss one year, then reporting to someone you managed. You may be the expert for a decade, only to be surpassed by new technology, shifting trends, or someone with more experience. Relationships, however, outlast both role power and expertise.

Anyone in an organisation can build relationships. Your position or level of expertise doesn’t prevent you from connecting with others. People often bring trusted colleagues with them when they move roles or companies—those relationships are what open doors, provide support, and make work more enjoyable.

Seeing people is the foundation

Relationships are built on truly seeing people. The more time you spend with someone, the greater the chance of building a strong connection. Think of all the people in your workplace you’ve never even greeted. Some may share your values, hobbies, or perspectives — you just haven’t met them yet and got to know them.

To cultivate meaningful relationships, you must invest time and attention. You must see people, listen to them, and understand them.

The challenge of remote work

Remote work and digital communication make this harder. Connections are increasingly transactional. To speak with someone, we schedule a meeting. First-time interactions are often slotted between other work, usually in thirty-minute increments. We exchange pleasantries, but the conversation quickly moves to business.

Video calls present their own obstacles: technical glitches, poor lighting, distractions from emails or chat, and reduced visibility of body language. Without these cues, energy is harder to transmit, and it’s more difficult to understand who the other person truly is.

Casual interactions, hallway conversations, or chance meetings—those moments that build rapport—become rare.

Keep connecting, even if it’s awkward

I’m not advocating a “back to office” policy — I love the flexibility of remote work — but I am urging a focus on nurturing relationships. Even in transactional interactions, continue connecting. Ask questions, learn more about people, and develop trust.

Relationships grow one interaction at a time. Be authentic, professional, and attentive. Listen, show curiosity, and engage. You’re not manipulating outcomes — this is about building healthy, positive relationships that benefit everyone.

Some of these connections will flourish into friendships; others will remain work-based.

Why relationships matter for business and career

Stronger relationships make work easier, more productive, and more enjoyable. They allow you to help others, create opportunities, and build trust that can carry through even when roles or projects change.

When leading teams, I focus on behaviours — especially how well someone builds and maintains positive relationships. This isn’t a “soft skill”; it’s a core competency.

Healthy, trusting relationships are good for business, good for people, and good for your career. They make the workplace rewarding and enrich everyone involved. For organisations striving to achieve results, this is essential. One of the most effective ways to cultivate an enriching workplace is through strong relationships.

Practical steps to seeing people

• Make time for people. Meetings aren’t just for transactions — they can be for connection.
• Meet in person if you can, or invest in richer digital interactions when remote.
• Develop your communication superpower: understand both your style and that of others.
• Listen more than you speak. Show up consistently and reliably.

Work becomes easier and more rewarding when you prioritise relationships. The effort is worth it.