Workplace relationships shape every part of the way a company runs. A good workplace relationship can keep teams motivated and turn a group of employees into a real community.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of workplace relationships and share practical ways you can strengthen them.
Let’s get into it!
What exactly are “workplace relationships”?
If your workplace was a machine, relationships would be the oil keeping everything running smoothly (or, in some cases, the loose screws causing chaos). From daily coworker interactions to big client deals, relationships shape every aspect of the way the company operates.
When professional relationships are strong, team trust levels are high and ideas blossom naturally. But when they’re weak? That’s when you get office silos, or a group chat filled with passive-aggressive emojis.
Working on relationships can help every element of the organization click into place. We’re going to break down each type of relationship at work, and give you some guiding principles on how to help them grow.
What are the various types of workplace relationships?
The workplace is basically a giant web of relationships. Each relationship works differently, and plays a role in how smoothly the workplace runs as a whole.
Understanding these dynamics helps managers build stronger, more connected teams. Let’s break them down.
1. Coworker relationships
Unless you work in a one-person startup (in which case, congrats on the self-employment), you understand that coworker relationships are the backbone of daily office life. These relationships keep collaboration and problem-solving strong, as well as stop morale from plummeting when something inevitably goes wrong.
But like any relationship, coworker dynamics require some effort. Strong teams aren’t built overnight; they need trust, respect, and the right environment to thrive. As a manager, it’s up to you to create that environment, ensuring everyone feels supported, heard, and empowered to work together. When coworkers work well as a team, everything else practically falls into place.
2. Manager-employee relationships
A good manager-employee relationship strikes a balance. You’re not there to micromanage, but you also can’t be completely hands-off. Employees look to their managers for guidance, support, and the occasional reality check when they try to schedule 120 meetings in one day.
Strong relationships between managers and employees drive employee engagement and create a more motivated team overall. When they feel valued and trusted, your teams are more likely to take initiative and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
Of course, no one wants a “boss vs. worker” dynamic. The best manager-employee relationships feel like partnerships built on mutual respect, not a clash to the death. You’ve got to get this one right for workplace harmony.
3. Cross-department relationships
Marketing, sales, IT, finance - every department plays a role in the bigger picture, but how well do they actually work together? Cross-department relationships are what turn a collection of teams into a fully functioning company. Without them, each department feels like a silo’d unit and you end up with the old “Why didn’t anyone tell us about this?” scenario.
Employees might not always get the chance to interact outside their own teams, but when they do, it makes a world of difference. Helping departments connect breaks down silos and strengthens the company as a whole, so plan some shared projects, job shadowing, or even a simple lunch-and-learn.
At the end of the day, strong cross-department relationships make the workplace much less chaotic and are great for culture building. Stay focused for strong cross-department collaborations!
4. Mentor-mentee relationships
Every great career has a few key players behind the scenes. A lot of the time, these are mentors; people who guide, challenge and get the best out of other people. A strong mentor-mentee relationship provides long-term support and great opportunities for professional growth.
For mentees, having a trusted advisor means learning from experience. For mentors, it’s a chance to pass on knowledge and leave a lasting impact. You can see here how it’s a two-way street. The best mentorships benefit both sides, so make sure you’re maximizing these relationships to drive engagement and create confident employees.
5. Work friendships
A good work friend can make the difference between a long day and a great one. Whether it’s sharing inside jokes, grabbing lunch, or having a go-to person for venting, work friendships bring a sense of connection to the workplace.
Beyond the social perks, research shows that employees with strong workplace friendships collaborate more easily and feel more engaged in their roles. In fact, a 2021 survey on workplace happiness found that 57% of workers said having a friend at work enhanced their job satisfaction.
Managers don’t need to force friendships, but it does help to create an atmosphere where they can naturally blossom. Make work a place where people can connect naturally. Shared spaces, casual team activities, or even an offsite retreat can be a golden ticket!
6. Client/customer relationships
Workplace relationships aren’t limited to internal teams. Client and customer relationships are just as critical. No matter if it’s a one-time transaction or a long-term partnership, these interactions shape how the whole business is perceived.
A strong client relationship goes above just closing deals. The relationship helps to build the trust needed for repeat-custom. Customers who feel valued are far more likely to return and refer other customers, even when competitors come knocking.
For managers, the key is creating a customer-first culture where your teams know that every interaction counts. Encourage proactive communication and taking time to truly listen for client relationships that turn customers into advocates.
7. Workplace rivals (healthy competition)
A little competition in the workplace isn’t a bad thing (as long as it doesn’t go overboard!). When managed well, workplace rivalry can push everyone to perform at their best. These relationships might look like two sales reps vying for the top spot, or friendly debates between creative teams. The right kind of workplace rivalry keeps spirits motivated and driven.
But when rivalry turns into resentment, it hurts morale instead of boosting it. That’s why you’ve got to know how to find the balance. Keep competition friendly and productive, making sure it drives innovation rather than division.
8. Remote/hybrid team relationships
Modern work practices have led to new team formations. Hybrid and remote teams have relationships that are quite different from traditional ones. Getting these right might take a little extra effort, since spontaneous coffee chats or quick desk-side check-ins don’t work in the same way.
To keep these relationships strong, get used to arranging virtual team-building activities that bring them together, such as virtual coffee breaks, or even a dedicated chat channel for non-work talk. Prioritizing virtual social connections can help remote workers feel included instead of isolated. That way, the entire team operates more smoothly, no matter where they’re logging in from.
9. Networking relationships
Not all professional relationships exist inside your company; some of the most valuable ones extend beyond it. This can be especially powerful when your company is evolving into new industries or even countries.
Think about it: most big career moves, business deals, and industry shifts don’t happen in isolation. They happen because someone knew someone. Strong professional networks bring fresh insights and open doors that might otherwise stay locked.
The more plugged-in your team is, the more opportunities they bring back. And hey, if they manage to score some VIP conference invites along the way, even better.
10. Temporary/project-based relationships
Some workplace relationships last years, while others wrap up faster than the office coffee supply. Temporary and project-based teams bring together people with different skills, backgrounds, and work styles for one common goal: get the job done.
The tricky part is that sometimes there’s simply no warm-up period. Project-based relationships can spring up quickly, so your teams must retain the skills to gel with project workers. A team that knows how to click with project workers on the fly will always have the upper hand when it comes to delivering great results.
What are the best ways to improve workplace relationships?
Every workplace is different, and so are the relationships within it. But one thing is universal; stronger employee connections lead to better teamwork and engagement.
So, what kind of practices and principles can you encourage to create an atmosphere where relationships bloom naturally? Try some of these:
Say it like you mean it - master clear communication
Strong professional relationships are built on clear, honest communication. When messages get lost in translation, misunderstandings follow, and before you know it, half the team thinks the deadline is next Friday while the other half is still debating fonts.
Make it normal for people to feel comfortable speaking up, asking questions, and addressing issues early. Set the tone by being transparent and making sure expectations are clear. When communication flows smoothly, so does the work.
Take connections beyond the office
Great workplace relationships don’t just happen at desks. They’re built through shared experiences. Taking your team out of the office for an offsite retreat creates the perfect space for stronger connections and a refreshed team dynamic.
At Surf Office, we specialize in seamless, stress-free offsites so you can focus on strengthening your team while we handle the logistics.
Here’s what we offer:
- Stress-free transfers? We got you! ✅
- Quality-assured accommodations? Check! ✅
- Engaging team-building activities? Our speciality ✅
- Restaurant reservations? That's on us! ✅
- Expert retreat planning assistance? Of course, we have this covered! ✅
- Onsite support, tailored to your needs? Absolutely ✅
Not only this, but we also have access to 160+ locations around Europe, APAC, the US, Latin America, and now Africa, meaning the sky is your limit when it comes to choosing the right location for you and your team.
A change of scenery could be exactly what your team needs to build stronger relationships. Spots fill up fast, so let’s get your retreat started today!
Build bridges, not barriers
Workplaces function best when teams feel connected, not divided into cliques or silos. If departments only interact when there’s a problem, or the marketing team thinks IT speaks in riddles, it’s time to break down the walls.
Encourage collaboration across teams by creating shared projects, cross-functional meetings, or informal catch-ups. If teams can see each other as allies rather than separate factions, teamwork comes naturally and never feels forced.
Shine a spotlight of recognition
Strong workplace relationships thrive on appreciation, and it should come more often than once a year. When your teams feel valued, they collaborate better, communicate more openly, and support each other as a team.
Build a workplace culture of recognition by making appreciation visible. Use team shoutouts, a “wins” channel in your company chat, or a recognition board where colleagues can highlight each other’s contributions.
At the end of the day, people want to work where they feel appreciated, so why not make that a regular part of the work week?
Resolve conflicts before they escalate
We can’t think of a single relationship that was smooth sailing 100% of the time. Disagreement happens naturally, but it’s how they’re handled that makes all the difference. Ignoring tension won’t make a problem disappear, it often just lets it simmer until it boils over.
Encourage early, open conversations when conflicts arise. It might be a simple misunderstanding, or point at a deeper issue, but addressing it quickly and sincerely can keep relationships intact. A well-handled disagreement could even strengthen workplace connections if it’s built on employee trust and mutual respect.
At the end of the day, a workplace where people feel comfortable resolving differences is a workplace where relationships thrive. Minor disagreements don’t have to become major disruptions. They might become opportunities to grow closer.
Create a culture people want to be part of
Our final recommendation is to build a workplace culture which every person is proud to be a part of. If the work environment feels disconnected, even the best relationship-building efforts will struggle.
This is where you set the tone. Make sure everyone feels valued, not just the loudest voices in the room. Small things like shoutouts for great work, social spaces, and opportunities to bond outside of daily tasks, make a big difference.
When people genuinely enjoy coming to work, strong relationships follow. The best workplace cultures don’t just help teams function better; they make work somewhere people actually want to be.
