Professional relationships are different from casual friendships that one may form either inside or outside the workplace. Professional relationships are usually more formal, whereas others are not governed by any rules.

Employee and manager relationships, coworker relationships, client relationships, mentor and mentee relationships, and so on are examples of professional relationships.

To avoid uncomfortableness that may result from being too casual with coworkers, it is often advised to maintain formal relationships in the workplace. Particularly if one is unsure whether the other person is on the same page.

Take for example, in the case of giving or receiving compliments from coworkers. Even when the intentions are genuine, some compliments are reported to be misinterpreted.

"A coworker may compliment you on your outfit, to which you will politely say thank you. And then both of you will move on to work. It becomes annoying, however, when they speak in a flirty tone or in a disturbingly explicit way. You’re not supposed to be that close with colleagues in the first place,” says Matilde Uwera, a communication specialist by profession.

Unwelcome compliments, persistent stares, derogatory jokes, racial slurs, personal remarks, expressions of disgust or intolerance toward a particular race, mocking a worker’s accent, and psychologically intimidating employees by making threats or displaying discriminatory symbols are all examples of workplace harassment, according to the Employee and Lawyer firm.

"It’s fine to be friends with your coworkers, and most of what others may call harassment could simply be inoffensive jokes between you. However, if you have some conflicts or indifference from outside your job, it will start to interfere with your work rapport,” Noah Patient Nkurunziza, an entrepreneur based in Kigali, says.

According to the Employee and Lawyer firm, the basic requirements for a good work relationship are trust, respect, self-awareness, inclusion, and open communication.

Professional relationships encourage a healthier and safer work environment with minimal conflict. They also help to maintain boundaries to keep everyone focused on their projects and responsibilities.

Additional, although not exhaustive, tips on how to develop professional relationships at work are listed below.

• Introduce yourself with limited personal details. Telling them your names, the department you work in, and your function there can serve as the basis for an introduction, and you can ask them to do the same. In a friendly way, let them know they can contact you with any inquiries on your line of work.

• Be respectful. This means treating each other with integrity and kindness. Being considerate of the other person’s time and opinion is also a form of being respectful.

• Be inclusive. Engage those that are excluded or marginalized because of their health conditions or else. Make them feel valued and appreciated. Simple acts like inviting someone out to a team lunch or showing an interest in what they say goes a long way.

• Be servable. An exchange of courtesy and generosity helps coworkers develop a stronger professional relationship. It builds trust and shows a willingness to support each other when in need. For example, helping a colleague complete their project before a deadline may be enough to encourage them to help you with your own project next time.

• Avoid unnecessary comments on their looks, outfit, etc. Unless one is sure of how the comment may be welcomed by their colleague then it would be safe to restrain from creating any form of awkwardness.

• Keep personal disputes separate from the working relationship. If you have had some crash in your personal lives, such as a breakup or prior dating, it shouldn’t serve as justification for making up scenarios at work.