In a world where most people spend more time with their co-workers than their families, it’s important to establish good working relationships in the office. Sure, it may be difficult to get along with everyone in the office, just like in regular life. Personalities and working styles don’t always mesh, so following are the top tips for getting along with your office co-workers.

Respect
In an office environment, everyone should be treated as professionals and with respect. At some point, each person in the office was interviewed and then hired, so someone thought they deserved a chance to prove themselves. Regardless of who the person is, what they look like, or what their prior experience is, they are your co-worker for a reason. They have something to contribute to the company. It seems very simple, but establishing a base of respect for others will create a nice working environment.

Communication
Sometimes people get so wrapped up in their own little worlds, that they don’t realize how disruptive they may be to others (e.g., when someone is chewing gum or clipping their toenails in the office or cubicle next to you). So sometimes, you just have to speak up. If a co-worker is acting out of line and making you hate them, your company, or your life, then it’s healthiest to open communication to resolve the issue. Too many people are afraid to speak up, letting little things build up until they’re ready to burst. Communication is key to establishing good relationships with your office co-workers.

Cooperation
Some people remember this concept from the Sesame Street song “Cooperation makes it happen,” but it’s an ideal that, even when learned young, remains important throughout life, especially in the office. While some jobs may be more independent than others, it’s important to consider office co-workers as a team. Everyone is there working for the same company and goals, so it’s best to work together and help each other when you can. It’s another idea that children learn young, when playing together on sports teams, and it’s something that should flow into adult life and the office. If someone could use your help or expertise, then why not lend it to them?

Sure, they say you can’t choose your family, and unless you’re the boss, you probably can’t choose your co-workers, either. So your best option is to establish good, lasting working relationships with your office co-workers to ensure that your work day is as enjoyable and productive as possible.

If you work in an office, then you know that the right office products can make you that much more productive. This way, you have the tools you need to succeed. The following are the office products that any successful person needs to keep themselves focus and organized.

One of the most important office products to invest in is a quality desk. This gives you the space you need to work. Look for a desk that is sure to keep you organized. It should have enough storage space for everything from folders and files to office supplies like staplers and Post-Its.

Similarly, it pays to invest in a high quality office chair. If you work in an office, then chances are high that you are sitting the majority of the day. This will keep your mind and body as healthy as possible.

File folder organizers are a great way to stay on top of your work. This will make pulling specific information that much easier and efficient.

Invest in a desk lamp, and you won’t be sorry. This will ensure that you can work no matter the time of day. On a rainy day, a desk lamp can make all the difference between having a productive day and a gloomy one.

Next, be sure to invest in a desk organizer. This will help you keep your outgoing and ingoing mail separated and will you give you spaces or slots in which to place everything from extra paperclips and staples to your office keys.

Invest in a corkboard so that you can pin up important documents or notices. This will also give you the space you need to hang family photographs.

Nothing beats a solid calendar. This will help you quickly check the date and keep yourself on task on a daily basis.

A planner is another necessary office product. Investing in this item will ensure you have important dates, deadlines, and information all within arm’s reach.

A Rolodex is an important investment if you want to keep on touch with important contacts. This helps you network and build relationships with other people in your field and with clients.

A shredder is a great investment, especially if you are working with confidential information like financial documents. This protects both your office and you from passing along personal information

Effective communication is essential to successful management and leadership. The office meeting is a good way to communicate information to a group of people, and get feedback at the same time. Poorly done, however, meetings can be the biggest waste of time in an organization. Whether in the public or private sector, workers find themselves involved in a large number of meetings, and at all levels, employees often have to be responsible for organizing or running meetings.

Ensuring that meetings don’t waste time, and achieve communications goals, is a matter of proper prior planning. Following are some helpful tips to make office meetings more effective.

1. Establish a clear agenda for the meeting and communicate it in advance to all participants. This will enable participants to arrive prepared and eliminate the need to take up time explaining the meeting’s purpose.

2. Set and enforce ground rules. Make clear the start and end times, the amount of time allowed for individual presentations, etc., and make sure everyone abides by the rules. Office meetings should always start and end on time, and except in very rare cases, should not last longer than one hour.

3. Assign responsibility for chairing the meeting. Even in flat organizations without clear lines of authority, unstructured meetings without someone in charge are unproductive and waste valuable time.

4. Have all necessary equipment and materials in place before the meeting starts. Make sure that AV equipment is in working order, and there is someone available who knows how to operate it.

5. Select an appropriate location for the meeting. It goes without saying that the meeting room should be large enough to accommodate all participants. But, it should also have adequate lighting and ventilation, and furnishings (chairs, writing surfaces, etc.) that are comfortable and facilitate taking notes. The meeting venue should also be as centrally located as possible.

6. Consider alternatives to face-to-face meetings. Some communications are more effective when done face-to-face, but for routine communication, it can be expensive in money and time to move large groups of people to a central location. Digital Video Conference-capable satellite facilities located near work areas allow effective communication between and among groups of people without taking them away from work for extended periods. This is especially useful if your organization has elements that are widely separated in the same building or located in different cities.