Networking and building relationships within your workplace aren't always easy. Why might that be? Busy schedules, closed off office spaces, too many co-workers, not enough free time, an introvert personality and many more. However, networking and building relationships within your workplace are extremely important. If you think about it, you spend a great deal of your time at work.

Let's break down an average work-week in the life of your typical adult. There are 168 hours in a week. Most full-time employees work 40 hours a week. This means you spend nearly 25 percent of your time at work; therefore, networking and building relationships at work is so important in order to create or enhance your experience.

So how do we go about doing that? Say, “Hello, how are you?” as you take the elevator ride; compliment or encourage a co-worker on their hard work; start a club or organization that meets once a week on your lunch hour; get involved in company events. There are countless things you can do to increase your networking skills within the workplace, but they all start with YOU.

You’d be surprised how many connections you can make, how many smiles you can create, and how many lives you can change. Networking in the workplace is a great skill that will reap benefits.

Within the past month, I have personally challenged myself to seek out opportunities to network in my workplace. For me, the best part about networking in the workplace is the connections that I build. The first way I networked this past month was by going to a luncheon hosted by my workplace. At the luncheon, I sat next to people who I did not know at the time, but now I do! I learned that one co-worker lives less than a mile from me; another co-worker and I have mutual friends; another co-worker was set to retire the following week after 30 years of dedication to our workplace and the list goes on. The second way I networked was by initiating a conversation in the breakroom.

Throughout the next month, as the weather starts to get warmer, I plan to network within my workplace by joining the “Walk ‘n Stretch” group that meets twice a week during our lunch hour. I work downtown Grand Rapids, which is a great location to walk, get some fresh air, and meet new people. I am excited about this opportunity. I will be able to get some exercise on my lunch break while I make new connections.

We are given so many opportunities every day to make a difference, to meet a new friend, or to share your story. Taking advantage of these opportunities in the workplace will give you an upper hand when it comes to networking and relationship building. Confucius says, “Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life”. Help create a work environment that YOU love. Reach out, network, and build relationships in the workplace to better your experience. Remember, you spend nearly a quarter of your life with them. Make the most of it!