How to Know If You're Well-Liked at Work: Insights from a Former PwC HR Director with 36 Years of Experience

• Michael Doolin, who previously held leadership roles at PwC and British Airways, boasts an impressive 36-year career in human resources.
• He suggests that being popular at work might affect one's performance and promotion opportunities, though it's not crucial.
• Doolin explains how to identify if your colleagues enjoy your company and discusses why supportive work environments can boost efficiency.

This essay, presented as told by him, is based on a transcription of a discussion with Michael Doolin, who serves as the CEO. Clover HR . Doolin formerly served as a human resources director at PwC, British Airways, and DPD in Ireland. The excerpt below has been condensed for brevity and clarity.

Staff members likely spend more time thinking about being well-liked at their jobs than they would like to acknowledge.

Subtle hints, like a boss inviting someone out to lunch or enquiring more about others than themselves, can generate stress, anxiety, or insecurity.

If you’re performing your duties correctly, it’s not essential to be well-liked by your supervisor or coworkers, though it does provide benefits. It can simplify your daily work experience and add enjoyment to it.

Liking someone and respecting them can be quite distinct. Indications of being popular among colleagues might involve others willingly disclosing both their triumphs and missteps with this individual. On the contrary, respect from peers typically manifests when one is sought out to address problems, provide guidance, or contribute insights about upcoming projects.

Getting liked and esteemed might assist staff members in advancing their careers; however, achieving esteem holds greater importance.

Nevertheless, not all workplace dynamics revolve around performance. A group that has robust relationships can greatly affect efficiency and spirits.

Team spirit fosters a workplace atmosphere where staff members feel at ease exchanging thoughts, potentially resulting in increased creativity and better problem resolution. Workers who are involved, inspired, and efficient have a higher chance of progressing further in the organization.

Here are several typical indications that you're appreciated and held in high regard at your workplace.

You're being included

When you're being urged to join in on projects or take on new responsibilities, duties, or tasks by your supervisor, this is a discreet way of indicating that they appreciate and value you.

Similarly, being invited to participate in meetings and events—whether they're social gatherings or professional engagements—is an indication that others see value in having you present and appreciate your contributions. If a manager seeks out a coworker’s perspective during discussions, it demonstrates that they hold that person’s insights in high regard.

Posing insightful queries shows your eagerness to contribute and participate actively in conversations. Seek information and remain eager to learn, which could involve finding common ground with others or challenging existing procedures to eliminate obstacles and uncover new possibilities.

You work well as part of a team.

Each manager appreciates an employee who enhances their reputation. This can be achieved by resolving issues and offering solutions or surpassing what is expected of you.

Should you make an effort to promote positive developments, your teammates and supervisor ought to appreciate your initiative.

Giving credit to teammates for achievements that you deserve highlights humility and generosity. By sharing knowledge, collaborating effectively, and participating actively in both official and unofficial work gatherings, employees can strengthen their standing within their team.

Little acts such as brewing coffee and preparing tea are considered considerate actions. These deeds promote good will, indicating your readiness to enhance the collective ease and fellowship within the group. This shows that you are cooperative and highlights a welcoming demeanor, essential for forging robust professional connections.

Providing someone with a beverage or assisting them with minor chores goes beyond the action itself; it’s about fostering an atmosphere of reciprocal respect and thoughtfulness.

You're picking up natural signals from your coworkers.

Jokes and humor are crucial for building relationships with coworkers. They offer a glimpse into a person’s character outside of their work persona and assist colleagues in forging stronger ties.

Using self-deprecation can effectively dismantle obstacles. Nonetheless, maintain your confidence in yourself. There’s no necessity to conform to a cliché just to gain approval. In the past, I’ve capitalized on my Irish identity, yet I leverage the pride and assurance derived from my Irish heritage to build connections.

Physical chemistry plays a crucial role in indicating whether someone likes you. When your coworkers exhibit positive nonverbal cues like smiling, chuckling, telling jokes, focusing intently on your conversation, and posing inquiries, these behaviors typically signify that they have a favorable opinion of you.

Receiving such backing or motivation from your peers is crucial for fostering an excellent work environment.

Powerful bonds among coworkers enhance productivity and foster a spirit of teamwork, which makes the work environment more pleasant and reduces stress.

When workers have stronger connections with one another, they tend to be more involved and committed to their jobs. This increased engagement can result in better performance and higher levels of job fulfillment.

Essential for workplace success are strong relationship-building abilities.

The one aspect thatCOVID highlighted in the professional environment is that humans are inherently sociable beings. We crave being amongst others.

Skills related to social interaction and building relationships—such as making introductions and engaging in casual conversation that lays the foundation for strong connections—are often undervalued. Nevertheless, these abilities are vital in professional settings. They improve communication, foster trust, aid in resolving conflicts, and contribute to career advancement.

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