Workplace Relationships(1)

•The Colleague – Relations with your colleagues should be cordial. Naturally, not everyone may get along. Some of your colleagues may view you as a nuisance or with envy or as an unnecessary hire, a threat, a burden to carry up to the point of being useful or just plain disinterested in your affairs altogether. Regardless when it comes to working together, there has to be a professional and cordial relationship at the very least.

•Racism and other forms of discrimination do exist in the workplace. You may be singled out for your religious beliefs or cultural differences. Once again, understand that the only true metric of any individual in a company is their value to the organisation. Set your agenda and single-mindedly work towards achieving it regardless of relational issues that may set you back. As a new hire in a new environment it will serve you no good to pick a fight with anyone. Be very neutral and occupy yourself with trying to achieve your objectives rather than engage with these personality conflicts. Thus the key here is not to not engage. Once you acquire value within the organisation, even antagonistic personalities will become more cordial towards you. It may be difficult to do, but keep your personal life out of the workplace as much as you can. Your partner, your sexual activity, your recreational habits and your personal opinions can be used to make steadfast friends, but also can be used to portray you unfavourably or to judge you. Ultimately, your personal habits have no bearing on your workplace attitude. Adopt and create a strictly professional workplace persona for yourself at work

•Workplace Romance – It is natural for feelings to develop as people work closely together. Apply common sense and ensure that regardless of how you proceed, you adhere to the policies set in place by your HR department