Small phrases can carry big professional meaning. “It is my pleasure to work with you” is one of those lines that does more than sound polite—it signals respect, goodwill, and a collaborative attitude. Used well, it strengthens workplace relationships, leaves a strong impression in emails and meetings, and helps you build long-term professional credibility check more here : 250+Best Ways to Say & Reply to “Glad You Made It Safely”
Whether you’re speaking to a manager, colleague, client, or stakeholder, the right wording can make your communication feel confident, sincere, and emotionally intelligent—without sounding overly formal or forced.
What “It Is My Pleasure to Work With You” Really Means
The professional intent behind the phrase
At its core, the phrase communicates: “I value this collaboration.” It’s a respectful way to show that you appreciate the working relationship, the shared effort, and the person’s contribution. It’s also a soft signal that you’re cooperative, professional, and easy to work with.
When it signals respect vs politeness
The same sentence can land differently depending on how it’s used.
It signals respect when it’s attached to real context, such as acknowledging teamwork or a specific contribution.
It sounds like basic politeness when it’s vague, repeated too often, or used without any reference to what you actually appreciated.
Respectful: “It is my pleasure to work with you on this project—your clarity and leadership make a real difference.”
Polite but generic: “It is my pleasure to work with you.”
Present-tense vs past-tense meaning
Tense changes the message.
“It is my pleasure to work with you” communicates ongoing collaboration and current appreciation. It fits when you’re still working together or expect to continue.
“It was a pleasure working with you” signals closure. It’s best when a project ends, someone leaves, or the relationship is concluding.
Why this phrase builds positive rapport
Professional rapport is built through signals of respect, recognition, and steadiness. This phrase works because it makes the other person feel valued without being overly emotional. It supports a healthy professional dynamic: mutual respect, goodwill, and trust. That matters in teams, leadership relationships, and client work.
How tone changes meaning in emails vs speech
In writing, it can come across more formal—especially in corporate settings—so it’s strongest when paired with a reason or a specific thank you.
In speech, it can feel warmer and more natural if delivered calmly and confidently. A flat tone can make it feel robotic. A sincere tone makes it feel genuine.
Is It Correct to Say “It Is My Pleasure to Work With You”?
Grammar breakdown
Yes, it’s correct. The structure is simple:
“It is my pleasure” (statement of appreciation) + “to work with you” (the action you appreciate).
It’s formal but grammatically accurate and widely accepted in professional communication.
“It is my pleasure to work with you” vs “It was a pleasure working with you”
Both are correct, but they serve different purposes.
Use “It is my pleasure to work with you” when the relationship is ongoing or you’re emphasizing current collaboration.
Use “It was a pleasure working with you” when you’re closing a project, leaving a job, ending a contract, or saying farewell.
“Pleasure to work with” vs “Pleasure working with”
Both forms are correct.
“Pleasure to work with you” is slightly more formal and crisp.
“Pleasure working with you” is slightly more conversational and natural.
Examples:
“It’s a pleasure to work with you.”
“It’s been a pleasure working with you.”
Formal vs conversational correctness
Formal: “It is my pleasure to work with you.”
Conversational: “It’s a pleasure working with you.”
Both work. Choose based on the setting, your relationship with the person, and the tone of the message.
American vs British usage
Both are common in American and British English. British communication often favors slightly softer phrasing in informal settings (for example, “It’s been great working with you”), but the phrase itself is still correct and professional in both.
When to Use “It Is My Pleasure to Work With You”
During ongoing collaboration
Use it when you want to reinforce a positive working relationship while the work is still in progress. It’s especially useful after a productive meeting, a smooth week of collaboration, or a helpful exchange.
Example: “It’s my pleasure to work with you—thank you for the quick turnaround.”
At the start of a professional relationship
It can be a strong early impression when you begin working with a new manager, client, or partner team—especially in email intros or kickoff meetings.
Example: “It’s a pleasure to work with you on this engagement. Looking forward to collaborating.”
In emails to clients or stakeholders
Client-facing communication often benefits from warm professionalism. The phrase works well when you’re building trust, setting expectations, or closing a helpful response.
Example: “It’s my pleasure to work with you. Please let me know if you’d like me to refine the draft.”
In meetings and presentations
Spoken use can sound confident and respectful, especially when thanking a host, lead, or contributor.
Example: “It’s a pleasure to work with you all on this initiative.”
In appreciation or thank-you messages
It’s especially effective when you pair it with a reason—something specific you appreciated.
Example: “It’s my pleasure to work with you. I appreciate how clearly you communicated the requirements.”
When Not to Use the Phrase
After conflicts or unresolved issues
If there’s tension, misunderstanding, or conflict in progress, this phrase can sound insincere or performative. In those cases, clarity and directness are better than polished appreciation.
Better: “I appreciate your time—let’s align on next steps to resolve this.”
When a relationship is purely transactional
If you’re dealing with a short, one-time exchange, “my pleasure” might feel excessive. A simple professional thank you is often more fitting.
Better: “Thanks for your help—appreciate it.”
Overuse and repetition risks
If you use it too often, it loses meaning and starts sounding like a template. Rotate your phrasing and keep it tied to real context.
Situations where stronger appreciation is needed
Sometimes the person did something that deserves more than a generic line. If someone supported you during a crisis, solved a major problem, or mentored you, use a more specific appreciation message.
Better: “I’m genuinely grateful for your guidance and support on this.”
Professional Alternatives to “It Is My Pleasure to Work With You”
Formal alternatives (corporate, clients, executives)
- I truly appreciate the opportunity to work with you.
- It has been a privilege collaborating with you.
- Thank you for your leadership and partnership.
- I value our collaboration and your time.
- I appreciate your trust and support throughout this work.
Polite neutral alternatives (safe for most situations)
- I appreciate working with you.
- Thanks for the collaboration.
- It’s been great working together.
- I’m glad we’re working on this together.
- Thank you for your help and support.
Warm professional alternatives (relationship-building)
- I really enjoy working with you.
- I’m grateful for your support on this.
- Working with you has made this project smoother.
- I appreciate your positive energy and teamwork.
- I’ve learned a lot from working with you.
Confident alternatives (leadership tone)
- I value our partnership on this.
- Your contribution has been important to our progress.
- I appreciate your focus and commitment.
- Thank you for helping move this forward.
- I look forward to continuing our collaboration.
Short alternatives for emails and chats
- Appreciate it.
- Thanks—great working with you.
- Always happy to help.
- Thanks for partnering on this.
- Glad we’re aligned.
Alternatives by Workplace Situation
After completing a project
- It was a pleasure working with you on this project.
- Thank you for your collaboration—great job all around.
- I appreciate your effort and consistency throughout.
- Working with you made this project smoother and faster.
- Thanks for the strong partnership from start to finish.
At the end of a contract or role
- It’s been a privilege working with you.
- I appreciate everything we accomplished together.
- Thank you for your trust and support during this period.
- I’m grateful for the experience and collaboration.
- Wishing you continued success ahead.
During a farewell or transition
- I’ve really valued working with you.
- Thank you for your support and teamwork.
- I’ll miss collaborating with you—wishing you the best.
- It’s been great working together.
- Let’s stay in touch—I’d love to work together again.
After an interview or hiring process
- Thank you for your time—I appreciate the opportunity.
- I enjoyed speaking with you and learning more about the role.
- I appreciate your consideration and insights.
- Thank you for the thoughtful conversation today.
- It would be a pleasure to work with your team.
After cross-team collaboration
- Thanks for partnering with us—great teamwork.
- I appreciate how responsive and organized your team has been.
- This collaboration has been smooth—thank you.
- Looking forward to working together again.
- Your support made a real difference—thanks.
When thanking a manager
- Thank you for your guidance and support.
- I appreciate your leadership and clarity.
- I’ve learned a lot working under your direction.
- Thank you for trusting me with this responsibility.
- I value the opportunity to work with you.
When thanking a colleague
- Thanks for your help—really appreciate it.
- I enjoy working with you—great teamwork.
- Thanks for always being reliable.
- I appreciate your support and responsiveness.
- You made this easier—thank you.
When addressing a client or customer
- Thank you for your partnership and trust.
- I appreciate the opportunity to support your goals.
- It’s been great collaborating with you.
- Thanks for your time—happy to help anytime.
- I value your feedback and collaboration.
Alternatives for Different Professional Tones
Very formal and traditional
- It has been a privilege to work with you.
- I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to collaborate.
- Thank you for your valued partnership.
- I appreciate your time and consideration.
- I’m grateful for the chance to work together.
Modern and natural
- Great working with you.
- I really enjoyed collaborating on this.
- Thanks for making this so smooth.
- Appreciate your support on this.
- Looking forward to the next one.
Friendly but professional
- I’m glad we got to work together.
- You made this easier—thank you.
- Always appreciate teaming up with you.
- Thanks for being so helpful.
- Let’s do this again soon.
Appreciative and respectful
- Thank you for your patience and guidance.
- I appreciate your leadership on this.
- Your support has meant a lot.
- Thank you for being consistent and reliable.
- I value your partnership and trust.
Brief and minimalist
- Thanks again.
- Appreciate it.
- Great working with you.
- Thanks for the support.
- Looking forward to next steps.
How to Say It in Writing vs Speaking
Email sign-offs
Use a short, polite closing that matches the email tone:
- It’s been a pleasure working with you.
- Appreciate your time and support.
- Thanks again—looking forward to continuing.
- Grateful for your partnership.
- Always happy to help.
LinkedIn messages
Keep it warm, concise, and future-friendly:
- It was a pleasure working with you—hope we collaborate again.
- I really enjoyed working together. Wishing you continued success.
- Appreciate the partnership—let’s stay connected.
- Great collaborating with you on the project.
- Thanks for the opportunity—would love to work together again.
Performance reviews
Be specific and professional:
- It’s been a pleasure working with you this cycle—your clarity and support helped me perform better.
- I appreciate your feedback and guidance throughout.
- I value the opportunity to collaborate and learn under your leadership.
- Thank you for trusting me with key responsibilities.
- I’m grateful for your support and direction.
Farewell speeches
Use sincere, simple appreciation:
- It’s truly been a pleasure working with everyone here.
- I’m grateful for the teamwork, support, and friendships.
- Thank you for the guidance and shared effort.
- I’ll always appreciate what we built together.
- Wishing you all success—and I hope our paths cross again.
Casual workplace conversations
Keep it natural:
- Great working with you on this.
- Thanks for your help today.
- Appreciate you jumping in.
- Always good teaming up.
- You made that easier—thanks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Sounding robotic or generic
If it feels like a template, it won’t land. Add one detail: the project, the person’s effort, the collaboration quality.
Using it at the wrong time
Don’t use it when you’re frustrated, mid-conflict, or addressing a serious performance issue. Use clarity and directness instead.
Overusing “pleasure” language
“My pleasure” can sound repetitive if it’s your only appreciation phrase. Rotate alternatives to keep your communication fresh.
Mixing casual tone with formal context
Avoid overly casual closings in executive or client emails. Likewise, avoid heavy formality in team chats where it feels unnatural.
How to Personalize the Phrase Without Sounding Forced
Adding context without overdoing it
Add one line that explains why it’s a pleasure: their clarity, responsiveness, leadership, support, or collaboration style.
Referencing the work or collaboration
Mention the project, goal, or outcome: it makes your appreciation feel real instead of generic.
Keeping sincerity over flattery
Avoid exaggerated praise. Simple appreciation feels more credible than dramatic compliments.
Making it sound natural to your voice
If “my pleasure” feels too formal for you, use “I really enjoyed working with you” or “Great collaborating with you.” Natural delivery matters more than fancy phrasing.
Ready-to-Use Examples
Short one-line examples
- It’s my pleasure to work with you.
- It’s been great working with you.
- I really enjoy collaborating with you.
- I appreciate working with you.
- Thank you—always happy to help.
Email-ready sentences
- It is my pleasure to work with you, and I appreciate your clear direction on this project.
- Thank you for your support—it’s been a pleasure collaborating with you on this deliverable.
- I appreciate the opportunity to work with you and your team.
- It’s my pleasure to work with you. Please let me know if you’d like any adjustments.
- Thanks again for your partnership—looking forward to continuing our work together.
Client-facing examples
- It’s my pleasure to work with you. Thank you for your trust and timely feedback.
- I appreciate the opportunity to support your goals—happy to help.
- It’s been great collaborating with you on this engagement.
- Thank you for the partnership. We value your input throughout the process.
- I’m glad to work with you—please feel free to reach out anytime.
Manager and leadership examples
- It’s my pleasure to work with you. Your guidance and clarity have been incredibly helpful.
- I appreciate your leadership and support throughout this cycle.
- Thank you for trusting me with this responsibility.
- I’ve learned a lot working with you—thanks for your feedback.
- I value the opportunity to contribute under your leadership.
Colleague-to-colleague examples
- It’s been a pleasure working with you—thanks for being so reliable.
- I appreciate your support and quick collaboration.
- Great working with you on this—thank you.
- Thanks for jumping in and making this easier.
- Always good teaming up with you.
Conclusion
“It is my pleasure to work with you” is more than a polite phrase—it’s a professional signal of respect, goodwill, and strong collaboration. When you use it in the right moments, pair it with a small detail, and match the tone to the setting, it strengthens workplace relationships and leaves a positive impression that lasts beyond a single email or project. The best professional appreciation is sincere, specific, and consistent—and that’s what makes your words stand out.
FAQs
How do you say it is a pleasure to work with you?
Here are natural, professional ways to say it (from formal to casual):
- It’s a pleasure working with you.
- It’s been a pleasure collaborating with you.
- I really enjoy working with you.
- I appreciate working with you and your team.
- I’m glad we get to work together.
- It’s a privilege to work with you.
- Great working with you on this.
What does my pleasure to work with you mean?
It means you genuinely appreciate the collaboration and respect the person professionally. It signals that working together feels positive, smooth, and valuable—often implying trust, good teamwork, and goodwill.
How do I say my pleasure politely?
Use polite alternatives that fit the situation:
- You’re welcome—happy to help.
- Glad I could help.
- Anytime—no problem at all.
- I’m happy to support.
- Of course—please reach out anytime.
- It was no trouble.
- Always glad to assist.
How do you say “pleasant to work with”?
Here are professional variations you can use in emails, references, or feedback:
- You’re great to work with.
- It’s always easy to collaborate with you.
- You’re a reliable and supportive teammate.
- You communicate clearly and make teamwork smooth.
- You’re professional, cooperative, and proactive.
- Working with you is always productive.
- You’re genuinely enjoyable to collaborate with.