‘What's one office habit that makes you trust a coworker almost instantly?’: People share their tips on how to befriend coworkers wisely to avoid unnecessary conflict in the workplace

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Olivia Arocena • Writer and Editor
Jul 30, 2026 5:15 PM EDT

Tips on who to trust

This is a skill we all need to acquire. Haven't we all had a coworker who gossiped a little too much? Or who got us into trouble? I've had coworkers I trusted deeply who turned out to be really disloyal, and work is a place where you spend a lot of your time, so it shouldn't be a place full of conflict. Personally, I don't think I've developed this skill to its full extent, but I think these workers who share their tips have. I was kinda confused because all of them are related to gossiping to some degree, and I think this is because engaging in gossip might be an attitude that shows we are not prone to being upfront about our thoughts and feedback and that we have some negative social characteristics. Of course, gossiping to some degree is normal, but a really 'gossipy' person can turn an entire group upside down. It's always better to be upfront. So, whether you're looking to acquire a few skills that help you learn who to trust in the office, or you want to chime in and share your own, this is the right place for you. My personal favourite was the only one that's not related to gossip at all, but to respect across hierarchy; I think that one is deeply linked to a person's integrity, and it's a very important characteristic to look out for inside or outside the workplace.

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  • Some habits quietly build trust without people even realizing it. What's one workplace habit that immediately makes you think, "I can rely on this person"?
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  • three men talking at an office
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    Ideal coworkers catching up

    Subjects are models

  • What's one office habit that makes you trust a coworker almost instantly?

    flashrunhide They step out or stay out of conversations when people start gossiping.
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  • AZNM1912 They show respect to coworkers no matter what level in the organization they are.
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  • swedish-ghost-dog To start with they write up what has been agreed and ask clarifying questions.
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  • man in blue suit smiles for the camera
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    Trustworthy coworker

    Illustrative image

  • PieSheep8 Don't snitch on anyone.
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  • Ok_Credit1525 They don't but into conversations you're having with someone else, just because they are in ear-shot
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  • MoonbringerstomyLip To me, they are giving respectful, constructive feedback, neither sugar coating it nor looking down on your worth
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  • men and women sitting and standing while staring at laptop
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    Everyone imagining the best coworker

    Not actual subjects

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workplace-stories toxic-workplace work workplace toxic-work-environment
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