Imagine this: your alarm blares at 6:30 AM, and your first thought is “Oh no, not again.” Not because of the tasks on your to-do list, but because of the people you have to face. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Many professionals from entry-level team members to CEOs dread the office not for the workload, but for the lack of real connection with the people around them.

The truth is, you spend more waking hours with your colleagues than your own family. Yet, for too many, the workplace feels more like a battlefield than a community. But it’s not meant to be this way.

Here’s the hard truth: your relationships at work don’t just impact your productivity they directly affect your mental health, career growth, happiness, and even your physical health.

Studies show that people with strong work relationships experience lower stress levels and higher job satisfaction. On the other side, toxic work environments are linked to burnout, depression, and even shorter lifespans.

So the big question is: Are you just networking, or are you actually building real relationships at work?

Networking is often about collecting contacts, shaking hands, attending events, and swapping LinkedIn profiles. It’s surface-level. It’s often transactional. And let’s be honest it can feel fake. That’s because networking focuses on utility, not humanity. It’s about what someone can do for you, not who they are.

And while networking has its place (hello, career opportunities!), it doesn’t foster loyalty, trust, or emotional safety which are the real foundations of strong teams and fulfilling careers.

But Real Workplace Relationships go deeper. They’re built on empathy, vulnerability, curiosity, and consistent small actions that say, “I see you as a person, not just a job title.”

When you build real relationships at work:

1. You foster trust (and we all know trust builds great teams).
2. You boost collaboration and creativity.
3. You create a culture where people feel seen, heard, and valued which reduces turnover and burnout.
4. You feel more fulfilled and less stressed.

Whether you’re a CEO, a team lead, or an intern, investing in human connection at work benefits everyone.

If you’re wondering how to start building better relationships at work, try these practical, heart-centered strategies:

1. Use the Two-Minute Rule

Before jumping into task talk, take two minutes to ask someone a personal question:

• “How was your weekend?”
• “What’s something fun you’re looking forward to this week?”
• “How’s your kid adjusting to school?”

These small talks go a long way and they are micro-moments of connection that build trust over time.

2. See People, Not Roles

Stop labeling people as “the manager,” “the intern,” or “the finance guy.” Start seeing the human behind the title. Ask about their dreams, passions, and challenges and share yours too.

3. Practice the One Personal Fact Challenge

This week, learn one non-work-related fact about three of your colleagues. It could be a hobby, a favorite food, or a life story. Relationships grow when we connect beyond the office walls.

4. Be Vulnerable First

You don’t have to spill your deepest secrets, but do share something real – maybe why you chose your career, a challenge you overcame, or what motivates you. Vulnerability builds trust. And trust builds teams.

If you’re in a leadership or executive role, you set the tone. Leaders who build authentic personal relationships create teams with higher trust and lower stress. Your team will go the extra mile when they know you care — not just about results, but about them as people.

Don’t just manage people. Connect with them. That’s where the real impact lies.

Work shouldn’t just be a place to earn a paycheck—it should be a place where you thrive emotionally, mentally, and socially. So if you’ve been running on empty, or constantly dreading Mondays, it may not be the job—it might be the missing relationships.

It’s time to stop seeing the workplace as a performance stage and start treating it as a community. One where people feel safe to show up as themselves. One where colleagues feel more like allies than competitors.

Ready to Make Work Feel More Human? Start With You.

If this resonated with you, here’s your next step: Book a one-on-one therapy session with me.

Whether you’re navigating a toxic workplace, struggling to connect, or simply want to thrive in your role and in your relationships — I’m here to walk the journey with you. Let’s create a workplace and a life that feels more human.

PS: If this blog resonated with you, share it with your team. Share it with your boss. Share it with your LinkedIn network. And remember: *people over roles, always.

Your new beginning is just a click away.

Click the link below to schedule a session and take the first step toward a healthier mind:

www.omgglobalconsulting.com/services/i-need-to-talk/

For inquiries, reach out to our dedicated team at OMG Global Consulting:

Website: www.omgglobalconsulting.com

Email: info@omgglobalconsulting.com

Phone: +234 802 434 5481, +234 805 246 4116

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Let’s embark on this journey to happiness, fulfillment, and growth together!