How to become everyone’s favorite coworker

Everyone likes being liked. Are you a shy, quiet person who just kind of co-exists in the office? Are you negative and generally disliked? Are you the unknown new person? Whatever your situation, here are some tips that can make you the one everyone loves to be around when they’re at the office.

Lend an ear: You’re probably getting tired of hearing me talk about listening. The truth is, sometimes listening is important because the speaker likes hearing the sound of their own voice, and they need a target. While this may not be super exciting for you, your coworker may just need to get something off their chest. They may not be looking for feedback, just someone who will quietly hear what they have to say. If you can do this successfully, you’ll be popular.

Bake stuff: I’m not going to act like this is some genius tip. We love baked goods. That is me, you, and most people with a pulse. All I’m saying is that if you’re looking for a way to become more likeable in your office, baking something tasty definitely won’t hurt your chances.

Stop the whispering: Gossiping is always a part of an office culture. While it can be a problem, it also has a purpose. There will always be conversations about the job and the people doing the work, and that can be productive. Just make sure you don’t get a reputation for talking negatively about coworkers behind their backs. Those kinds of things always seem to come back to them, so earn a reputation for not engaging in those types of conversations.

Bring joy: Be known as the person who’s always smiling, who tells jokes, and doesn’t try to bring others down. Be that glass-half-full person who constantly tries to turn around office negativity. Your coworkers will like you for being a bright spot during stressful or frustrating times.