With many of us spending the majority of our waking hours at work, getting along with colleagues has never been so important. Crucial for job satisfaction, good relationships with workmates can make even the most mundane job seem bearable. Equally, a fantastic job opportunity can be soured if you don't get on with your colleagues.

As a nation, we're working harder than ever. Long hours, heavy workloads and busy offices can mean there's barely time to exchange pleasantries – never mind gossiping around the water cooler. But social events, such as drinks after work, office parties and leaving dos can provide the perfect opportunity to build relationships with colleagues.

Workplace friendships can be very rewarding, as there is so much common ground. But socialising with colleagues can also help advance your career, says Anna Leech, an occupational psychologist at Pearn Kandola psychologists. 'By building personal relationships, you'll learn so much more about your colleagues. You'll get the chance to meet people from other departments and find out about their experiences and skills. You can find out how they can help you do your job better or even help you find a new one!'

But there is an art to socialising with colleagues, says psychologist Honey Langcaster-James. Top of the list is being a good listener. 'One of the most flattering things you can do for your colleagues is show you're interested in their stories and experiences. If you spend the evening talking about yourself, you may come across as a bore, or even worse, a bighead. Next time around, you may find yourself missed off the invite list!'

Talking shop can be another big no-no. You might have pressing concerns about your working life, but your colleagues may just want to relax. A good rule of thumb is to agree you'll only discuss work for a set time, such as half an hour, then leave the office talk behind.

This can be easier said than done, as in any workplace there will be a variety of personalities and interests. You may find yourself hanging around with people you wouldn't normally be seen dead with. But do try to be open-minded. Okay, you might not understand why Beryl's so passionate about bell-ringing or John spends his weekends potholing, but you will learn a lot about the people you spend most of your time with, which can improve your working relationships. You may even find you've got more in common with your colleagues than you think. As Langcaster-James puts it: 'You may think you're the only person who likes to dress up in your Trekkie gear and watch sci-fi movies till dawn, but you may find the girl at the other end of the office likes to do exactly the same thing.'

A work 'do' can be the ideal opportunity to let your hair down and show your workmates who you really are. But do exercise some caution. 'It's great to see people chilling out,' says Langcaster-James. 'But it's not a good idea to throw caution to the wind and get really drunk, for example. You are bound to say or do something you'll regret, which, when you're sober, could come back to haunt you!'