Having conversations and interactions with our work colleagues is critically important for our mental wellbeing, especially as social beings that thrive through positive interaction with one another. We can encourage interaction and cultivate positive relationships by having conversations with our colleagues at work.

Starting conversations with our colleagues can be daunting and we are sometimes reluctant to begin dialogue because we worry that others may not be interested in what we have to say, or that we might say the wrong thing. Such anxieties can prevent us from making any effort to speak with our colleagues, and yet we can create shared positive experience at work through getting to know one another and having meaningful conversations.

Starting conversations is not as daunting as we perceive it to be and we don't always need to wait for perfect moments to start conversations with our colleagues. The most impactful conversations happen in those moments when we least expect them to and we don't need to have perfect opportunities to interact with one another in meaningful ways.

Below are some tips on how to spark meaningful conversations with colleagues:

1. Ask a colleague how their week is going

Taking opportunities to ask colleagues about their week can be helpful when it comes to having conversations at work. We often mirror each other's communication and asking how a colleague's week is going is an opportunity to learn more about them, as well as for them to learn about you.

2. Have virtual coffee breaks with colleagues

Covid-19 restrictions have resulted in increased remote working, however this does not mean social interaction with our colleagues has to stop. We can take steps to meet virtually and have conversations with our colleagues during our coffee breaks, just as we would by the water cooler in the office. Consider reaching out to colleagues you have not spoken to in a long time asking them if they would like to grab a virtual coffee in between meetings.

3. Reach out to new people

Settling in can be a daunting experience for someone who is starting a new job. We can take steps to involve new colleagues by asking them how they are settling in. The seemingly insignificant step of reaching out can go a long way towards making a new colleague feel more welcome, which will give them a positive boost as they settle in.

4. Take time to compliment your colleagues

Congratulating our colleagues on projects can be a great way to start conversations and boosting positivity. With busy schedules we can sometimes forget to notice our colleagues. However, taking time to compliment colleagues can be a good opportunity to learn more about projects that they are working on and can also be a good opportunity to share ideas and identify collaboration opportunities.

5. Challenging feelings of isolation by reaching out to colleagues

Remote working and reduced staff numbers in the office has resulted in some of us feeling a sense of isolation. It is likely colleagues will also be experiencing similar feelings, and it’s important to recognise that we’re not alone in how we feel. We can take steps to combat our feelings of isolation by reaching out and checking in on our colleagues who may be struggling. Some of the ways we can do this is by asking colleagues about hobbies that they have picked up during lockdown.

We could share tips and ideas on strategies that are working well in combating our own feelings of isolation. We can suggest ideas to colleagues as to how they can develop a positive routine to help them maintain their wellbeing. We can discuss exercise tips and ideas with our colleagues and if feeling adventurous enough we can share fitness goals.