Small talk is an important workplace skill. It is the first step in establishing relationships with your colleagues. Most neurotypicals (who make up the majority of the workforce) place a high value on relationships. So much so that a good relationship with one’s supervisor and liking one’s co-workers are consistently rated as major factors for job satisfaction.
Sharing a few friendly comments with fellow employees you see in the lunch room or in the elevator will send the message that you consider yourself to be part of the group. Small talk with your work mates is the starting point for building camaraderie and trust.
You do not need to actually like someone in order act friendly with them at work. Sometimes small actions go a long way toward establishing yourself as likeable. For example: