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In science, collaboration isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s essential. While labs can sometimes feel isolating, with individuals focused on separate experiments and workflows, modern research depends on teamwork more than ever. Building positive relationships within lab teams directly impacts performance, wellbeing, and long-term success.
Well-being expert Mandy O’Neill, PhD, highlights what she calls “companionate love” at work — having trusted workplace relationships — as one of the five vital foundations for healthy organisations. In labs specifically, strong interpersonal relationships allow teams to overcome technical challenges faster, share knowledge more freely, and create safer, more supportive working environments.
Lab managers play a crucial role in nurturing these relationships. Three key behaviours consistently stand out:
1. Communication and empathy
Strong communication starts with listening — genuinely listening. Making time to understand colleagues’ perspectives, pressures, and goals helps build shared understanding and trust. Empathy goes beyond hearing words; it means recognising intent, emotional context, and workplace stressors.
Open communication also involves vulnerability. Leaders who share their experiences, challenges, and learning moments create more psychologically safe environments where staff feel comfortable contributing ideas and asking for help. As communication scholar Julian Mirivel notes, “When you improve your communication, you improve your relationships.”
2. Trust and reliability
Trust is built through consistency. Following through on promises, owning mistakes, and practicing transparency demonstrate reliability. When mistakes do occur—as they inevitably do in scientific work—honesty and accountability reinforce emotional safety within teams.
This openness sets the tone for the entire culture: when leaders model trustworthiness, teams learn that integrity matters more than perfection.
3. Appreciation and support
Recognition remains one of the most underrated drivers of engagement. Lab staff are not simply resources—they are the heart of discovery. Celebrating successes, acknowledging effort, and offering encouragement reinforce employees’ sense of value and belonging.
Gratitude doesn’t need to be formal or elaborate; simple expressions of thanks can positively transform morale. Leaders willing to provide mentorship, share expertise, or step in during challenging moments strengthen team confidence and cohesion.
Ultimately, labs thrive when communication flows openly, trust is visibly practised, and appreciation becomes routine. Teaching and embedding these behaviours across teams builds cultures capable of sustaining innovation—and supporting the people behind it.
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