How to Know If You’re Well-Liked at Work: Insights from a Former PwC HR Director with 36 Years of Experience

• Michael Doolin, who previously held leadership roles at PwC and British Airways, boasts 36 years of expertise in human resources.
• He mentions that being popular at work might affect one’s performance and promotion prospects, though it’s not crucial.
• Doolin explains how to identify if your colleagues enjoy your company and discusses the ways in which supportive work environments can boost efficiency.

This essay, presented as told by him, is based on a transcription of a discussion with Michael Doolin, who serves as the CEO.


Clover HR

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Doolin formerly held positions as a human resources director at PwC, British Airways, and DPD in Ireland. This transcript has been condensed and clarified for brevity.

Staff members likely spend more time thinking about being well-liked at their jobs than they would like to acknowledge.

Subtle hints, like a boss inviting someone out to lunch or enquiring more about others than themselves, can generate stress, anxiety, or insecurity.

If you’re performing well at work, it’s not crucial for your boss or coworkers to like you, although it does provide advantages. It can simplify your daily experiences and add enjoyment to them.

Liking someone and respecting them are distinct concepts. Indications that an employee is popular might involve others willingly discussing both their failures and achievements with this individual. Conversely, respect towards an employee can be gauged when colleagues seek them out to solve problems, ask for counsel, or engage in discussions about upcoming plans.

Getting liked and esteemed can assist workers in advancing their careers, yet earning respect holds greater importance.

Nevertheless, not all workplace dynamics revolve around performance. A group that has robust relationships can greatly affect efficiency and spirits.

Companionship fosters a workplace atmosphere where staff members feel at ease contributing their thoughts, potentially resulting in increased creativity and better problem resolution. Team members who are involved, driven, and efficient have a higher chance of progressing further in the organization.

Here are some typical indications that you’re appreciated and held in high regard at your job.

You’re being included

When you’re being prompted to join projects or take on duties, roles, or responsibilities at work from your supervisor, this is a discreet way of indicating that they appreciate and value you.

Similarly, being invited to participate in meetings and events—whether they’re social gatherings or professional engagements—is an indication that others see value in having you present and appreciate your contributions. If a manager seeks out a coworker’s perspective, it signifies that they hold that person’s insights in high regard.

Raising insightful queries shows a willingness to contribute and participate actively in conversations. Pose inquiries and show eagerness to learn, be it finding common ground or scrutinizing internal procedures to eliminate obstacles and foster new possibilities.

You work well as part of a team.

Each manager appreciates an employee who enhances their reputation. This can be achieved by resolving issues and offering solutions or surpassing what’s expected of you.

Should you put extra effort into fostering positive improvements, your teammates and supervisor ought to appreciate your initiative.

Giving credit to teammates for achievements that you deserve highlights humility and generosity. By sharing knowledge, collaborating effectively, and participating actively in both official and unofficial work gatherings, employees can strengthen their role within a team.

Little acts such as brewing coffee and preparing tea are considered considerate actions. These deeds promote good will, indicating your readiness to enhance the collective ease and fellowship within the group. This showcases your ability to be a valuable member of the team and projects an upbeat, accessible demeanor—essential for forging robust professional connections.

Proposing to prepare a beverage or assisting with minor chores is not merely about the action taken; it’s about fostering an atmosphere of shared respect and thoughtfulness.

You’re picking up natural signals from your coworkers.

Jokes and humor are crucial for building relationships with coworkers. They offer a glimpse into a person’s character beyond their work persona and assist colleagues in forging stronger connections.

Using self-deprecation effectively can significantly reduce obstacles. However, maintain your confidence in yourself. There’s no necessity to conform to stereotypes just to gain approval. In previous instances, I’ve capitalized on my Irish identity, yet this stems from the pride and assurance I derive as an Irish person, which aids me in building connections.

Physical chemistry plays a crucial role in indicating whether someone likes you. When your coworkers exhibit positive non-verbal cues like smiling, chuckling, telling jokes, actively listening to what you say, and posing inquiries, these behaviors signify that they have favorable feelings towards you.

Receiving such backing or motivation from your peers is crucial for fostering an excellent work environment.

Solid connections among coworkers enhance productivity and foster a spirit of teamwork, which makes the work environment more pleasant and reduces stress.

When workers have stronger connections with one another, their engagement levels at work increase, potentially resulting in better performance and higher job satisfaction.

Essential for workplace success are strong relationship-building abilities.

The one aspect that COVID highlighted in the professional environment is that humans are inherently sociable beings. We crave being among others.

Skills related to social interaction and building relationships—such as making introductions and engaging in casual conversation that lays the foundation for strong connections—are often undervalued. Nonetheless, these abilities are essential in professional settings. They improve communication, foster trust, aid in resolving conflicts, and contribute to career growth.

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