How to adapt to a new workplace
You visited the office when you had the interview, you asked the employees what it was like to work there and you even researched the company online. However, nothing can truly tell you what it’s like to work somewhere unless you actually do it. In order to hasten the process, read the following six tips on how to adapt to your new workplace. It takes time, but finding your place is certainly worth it; your long and fruitful career will be evidence of that.
1. Give It Time
You probably won’t walk in on your first day and feel 100 percent comfortable, and that’s OK. Give yourself at least two months to settle into your new role. That means you can’t be hard on yourself if you slip up while you’re still learning the ropes; these mistakes will only make you better and, more importantly, more confident in the long run. Better yet, everyone around you knows you’re new at the job, which means they’ll give you the same window to get used to your position.
2. Take Notes
They don’t have to be physical ones, but be sure to note the vibe of your new office. The biggest thing to observe is the dress code. It’s easy to transform your casual wear into office wear with the right additions and accessories; however, some offices allow you to dress down every day of the week. You might also want to note how everyone communicates – GChat, email, in-person meetings – where everyone eats lunch, what time your colleagues head out on Friday, etc.
3. Find Your Niche
Even if you’re fresh out of university, you know your strengths. Your new job has to have at least one required skill in which you’re well versed. Try and get yourself assigned to projects that allow you to show off a bit and make it known to your colleagues and the higher-ups that you’re good at what you do.
4. Meet People
Having friendly faces around you will make it easier to come to work each day. In order to have that, you have to make an effort to get to know the people around you. If the office doesn’t set up a mixer or luncheon for new hires, try and coordinate your own lunch with your team so you can all start getting friendly with one another. You’ll gain expert advice as to where to get the best lunch nearby, how to get your paycheck issues resolved, what time to schedule meetings so that the boss is actually free …
5. Don’t Make Comparisons
This is a multifaceted tip. For one, you shouldn’t compare yourself to your colleagues who hold the same position as you. Especially at the beginning, this will make you feel inferior and may be reflected in poor work performance. You also should avoid comparing your new office environment with your old one. No one wants to hear how another manager or CEO ran his or her business, so don’t bring that up, no matter how constructive it may seem
6. Ask for Feedback
This is a great way to get situated into your new position. By opening the door to constructive feedback from your new manager, you’re opening the door to improvement. If you meet regularly with your boss at the beginning of your career, you can mold and change your habits to meet and supersede the expectations others have of you. Furthermore, if you make the effort to ask, you’ll receive more guidance from your higher-ups than some of your less-than-vocal peers.
This guidance could be the difference between receiving and falling short of a promotion of a promotion in the future, so what are you waiting for?
