Small talk might not be that meaningful, but it does have a few benefits: it can make you happier and it can boost the brain’s executive functions responsible for everything from attention and focus to time management to organization.

Listening is the most important part of having a quality conversation—and it’s also the area most people struggle with. 

So if you want to improve the quality of your conversations at work, look for opportunities to develop and practice your listening skills. 

Open office layout cuts face-to-face conversations by as much as 70 percent. The fact that an entire department could hear you talking with someone can block you from seeking connection.

Search for or create pockets of privacy within those open workspace (for example, use a conference room or a designate a quiet zone).

If you find that you’re stuck in a conversation that isn’t going anywhere, a change of scenery can work wonders. So take your conversation outside.

It will reduce stress levels, increase positive emotions, spark creativity, and foster a sense of openness. All these will have a positive effect on your conversations.