Working in an office with multiple people can certainly pose issues. You get people that come from different cultures and backgrounds which spend a great quantity of time at work together and this can be quite interesting. Being at work is quite different from socializing outside as you have to maintain a professional demeanor in the office. This can make your co worker seem cold or rude but in today’s work environment it is hard to be yourself without offending someone or overstepping our boundaries. Most of my life I have been self employed which excluded me from having to deal with the issues and benefits that are involved in an office. When I finally did have to work with others it made me think in a different manner. Working with good people not only results in a positive attitude but it can improve your work performance. I strongly believe that people that hate their jobs because of their co workers tend to have low productivity and poor work attendance.
If you have to spend a few hours or so with people you want it to be pleasant and although it is hard to change people, you can certainly provide an example by killing them with kindness per say. Sometimes it takes one person to change the whole mood in the office and you will see it quickly spreads like wildfire. Reach out to that co worker that seems sad or is going through a difficult time. By helping others you help yourself and your surroundings.
According to Forbes Magazine “Socializing with your coworkers is essential for your career,” says Alexander Kjerulf, an international author and speaker on happiness at work. “If you’re not able to relate to your coworkers as human beings and build positive relationships, your career will suffer. Socializing and getting to know them as people will help you to communicate better, trust each other more and work better together. Also, employees who have positive workplace relationships are happier at work (in fact, good workplace relationships are one of the most important sources of workplace happiness) and we know that people who are happy at work are more productive, more creative and more successful overall.”
So remember that you have the power to make great things happen.