A young woman with curly hair and glasses is standing wearing a yellow blouse and jeans, holding several colorful binders and notebooks. A speech bubble above her head reads, "How do I build professional relationships?"

Humans are wired for connection. Since the beginning of time, we’ve relied on relationships to survive and thrive. While we’re no longer hunting for food or huddling in caves, the ability to build strong relationships is still just as important—especially in the workplace.

Want to land better job opportunities? Feel more fulfilled at work? Have a career that excites you? The people you surround yourself with play a huge role in making that happen. Professional relationships help you learn new skills, gain valuable career advice, and open doors you might not even know exist.

We’ll reveal which relationships matter most and explain how to maintain them in a way that benefits everyone.

The Importance of Professional Relationships

They make collaboration easier

Most jobs involve teamwork, and good relationships make that process smoother. When you build trust with colleagues, communication improves, problem-solving gets faster, and projects run more efficiently. In contrast, workplace conflict or poor relationships can slow things down and make work feel draining.

They help you land better job opportunities

If you’re serious about career growth, networking is non-negotiable. Employee referrals are the top way companies hire, and referred candidates are four times more likely to get hired than those who apply through traditional job boards. Simply put, the stronger your professional network, the more access you’ll have to influential people and desirable positions that can advance your career

They expose you to new ideas and industry trends

Your network influences how you think, work, and grow in your career. Surrounding yourself with forward-thinking professionals can introduce you to new strategies, industry insights, and emerging trends you might not discover on your own.

COVID-19 is a perfect example of this. Businesses that shared ideas and sought out innovative ways to adapt were more likely to stay afloat than those who remained stuck in their same circles trying to pursue business as usual.

They create career-boosting opportunities

Strong relationships benefit both sides. Whether it’s collaborating with a colleague on a high-impact project, getting career mentorship from a leader in your industry, or forming business partnerships, these connections can help you grow. Investing in your network often leads to unexpected career opportunities down the road.

They make work more fulfilling

Work is a huge part of life, and having positive relationships with colleagues makes it much more enjoyable. Employees who feel connected to their coworkers are more engaged, productive, and less likely to experience burnout. Strong professional bonds don’t just help your career—they improve your overall happiness at work.

Types of Professional Relationships to Focus On

Your manager

Your relationship with your boss plays a huge role in your career. They influence your daily workload, growth opportunities, and even your work-life balance. A good relationship with your manager can lead to career advancement, stronger mentorship, and positive performance reviews. If you’re aiming for a promotion or need a reference down the road, having a manager in your corner is invaluable.

Direct reports (if you’re a manager)

If you lead a team, your relationships with your employees directly affect team performance, engagement, and retention. A 2024 Gallup study found that employees who feel valued and supported are 87% less likely to leave their job. Building trust and showing genuine interest in your team’s success can make you a more effective leader.

Teammates and colleagues

You spend a huge chunk of your life working alongside coworkers. When you build strong relationships with teammates, collaboration becomes easier, stress levels decrease, and productivity improves. No one wants workplace tension—investing in good relationships with colleagues makes the workday smoother and more enjoyable.

Professional peers (outside your company)

Your network shouldn’t stop at your coworkers. Industry peers, past colleagues, and connections from professional organizations can offer fresh perspectives, job leads, and valuable career advice. Attending industry events, joining LinkedIn groups, or staying in touch with former colleagues can keep your network strong.

Mentors and advisors

Having a career mentor is one of the best ways to grow professionally. A mentor can offer guidance, insider knowledge, and valuable connections that help you advance faster. Whether it’s a former boss, a senior colleague, or an industry leader, finding someone who has been where you want to go can make a huge difference.

Learn about the benefits of having a career mentor and how to find one here!

Ways to Build and Maintain Professional Relationships

1. Treat others the way you’d like to be treated

Sounds simple, but it’s often overlooked. Show respect, communicate clearly, and be reliable. If you’re someone people enjoy working with, they’ll naturally want to support you in return. Your reputation follows you throughout your career, so make it one you’re proud of.

2. Give before you ask

Nobody likes a “networking leech” who only reaches out when they need something. Instead of always asking for favors, look for ways to help others first. The more you give, the more likely others will be willing to help you when you need it.

3. Stay in touch (before you need something)

Professional relationships shouldn’t be transactional. If you only reach out when you need a job lead, it feels disingenuous. Instead, make staying connected a habit—send a quick check-in message, congratulate a former colleague on a promotion, or grab coffee with a mentor.

Need help making lasting networking connections? Check out this guide on how to network.

4. Keep workplace gossip to a minimum

Office gossip might feel harmless in the moment, but it can damage your credibility fast. If someone trusts you with sensitive information, keep it private. If you absolutely have to vent, do it face-to-face—not over email or Slack, where it can come back to haunt you.

5. Keep relationships professional

Building strong work relationships doesn’t mean you need to be best friends. Healthy boundaries matter, especially if you’re in a leadership position. Keep personal social media profiles private if needed, and be mindful of how much personal information you share in the workplace.

When you invest in professional relationships, you’ll have the connections in place to help you take the next step in your career when the right opportunity comes your way.

Pete Newsome

About

Pete Newsome is the President of 4 Corner Resources, the staffing and recruiting firm he founded in 2005. 4 Corner is a member of the American Staffing Association and TechServe Alliance and has been Clearly Rated's top-rated staffing company in Central Florida for the past five years. Recent awards and recognition include being named to Forbes’ Best Recruiting Firms in America, The Seminole 100, and The Golden 100. Pete also founded zengig, to offer comprehensive career advice, tools, and resources for students and professionals. He hosts two podcasts, Hire Calling and Finding Career Zen, and is blazing new trails in recruitment marketing with the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Connect with Pete on LinkedIn