you: Hello.

coworker: Hello.

you: How are you doing?

coworker: I'm doing well. Thank you for asking and, in doing so, showing that you care about me as a person rather than just a resource.

coworker: How are you?

you: I'm good, as well. The reciprocation of pleasantries means a great deal to me.

coworker: Glad to hear it.

you: I have a question, if you have time.

coworker: Sure, what is it?

you: I'm working on [something] and I'm trying to do [etc]

coworker: Oh, that's [answer]