Tips for a Happier Workplace

          You don't have to be friends with your co-workers, but you do need to be fri endly. Read on for fresh ways to make your office a kinder, gentler place.

          ◆Give a happy “Hello! ”in the morning

Do you walk into the office, eyes down, and immediately start work? If so, you are likely to find that co-workers ignore(忽视)you or avoid you.（1） It's really amazing how fast this small gesture can change unfriendly workplace relations.

          ◆Learn the art of small talk

          Ask your co-workers about their interests—their favorite music, movies, and books, as well as their hobbies. （2） Once you know what catches their imagination, pick up stories from newspapers or magazines to help start conversations.

          ◆Ask what they think

          People love to be asked for their opinion, so go out of your way to ask, “What do you think of this report? ” or “How do you think I should deal with this situation? ” （3） 

◆Avoid gossip(流言飞语)（4） So return the favor. When a co-worker walks towards you bearing a piece of gossip, respond(回应)with, “Really? ”and then change the subject or get back to work. If you don't respond, the gossiper will move on.

          ◆（5） 

To win friends at work, start with good office etiquette(礼节). There's nothing more frustrating(令人沮丧的)to busy co-workers than to have their emails and phone messages ignored. Your silence doesn't just make their jobs harder; it also conveys(传达)an unpleasant message: You are unimportant to me.

          A. Stop complaining.

          B. Return calls and emails immediately.

          C. Then give the advice giver a silent thank-you.

          D. Always work as hard as anyone working for you.

          E. You don't want anyone talking about you behind your back, right?

          F. Showing an interest in them will make them feel comfortable around you.

          G. Get into the habit of greeting your co-workers with a smile as you arrive in the morning.