Sometimes it’s not the big moves that matter most, but the little things you don’t even notice you’re doing. This is especially true for work relationships. The reality is, we spend most of our lives at work, often with the same people for years. No one wants to work with people they dislike or do not get along with, but sometimes that is not something we can choose. So what is the alternative? Would you rather go to work for years and deal with people you would rather avoid, or work with people who make your day more enjoyable? Or at the very least, people you can get along with well enough that things feel more good than bad?

We do not need grand gestures or official team-building sessions to make work relationships better. Bonding does not only happen during retreats, feedback meetings, or planned social hours. That is not how real connection works. Most of the time, it is the small, almost forgettable moments that shift how people feel around you. The quick check-in. The unspoken support. The way you handle yourself in a tense moment.

What makes people trust each other or want to work together again is rarely one big thing. It is a buildup of subtle signals. And the tricky part is, you might not even realize you are sending them. Every interaction and every small habit influences how others experience working with you. The good news is, that means you can change things without needing a complete personality overhaul. Sometimes, all it takes is shifting a few micro-actions you’ve been overlooking.