15 Tips for New Employees at Work

Joining a company as a new employee can be challenging, not just because you have to do the job well, but you also have to find your place among your co-workers and need to make a positive impression in the workplace.

Why are the initial days at work for new employees important?

Your initial days at work set the momentum of your professional relationship with your employer, co-workers, supervisor, or subordinates (if any). 

After stepping into the new office, you need to familiarise yourself with the physical space and mental aspects there. Knowing where your workstation is, getting to know your co-workers, or what the work process is will make you feel comfortable in that work environment.

The most important thing to do in the first few days is to get to know others and how things work in the office. If you start your new job on a positive note with the people you will spend hours with every day and week, you will likely have a much better time in the future.

Consider the possible challenges

Onboarding is one of the challenging aspects of job transitions. It is because new employees, regardless of their experience, have no clue how things work and have to embrace a new culture. 

Studies have shown that new employees often can’t cope with these challenges in a job, resulting in turnovers. 

As a new employee, you might feel like an alien and vulnerable in a different work environment, even when you seem outwardly confident. It is a natural mental state when you accept a new job offer and find the new workplace strange. Just give yourself some time to settle down. 

15 Tips for being the new employee at work

1. Show up to work early

   If you want to make a good impression, show up at the office 10 to 15 minutes early. 

2. Follow the dress code (if any)

   Make sure to learn about the dress code before entering the workplace. Never show up on your first day wearing casuals when others are in professional attire.

3. Learn about the work environment

   Some important things to learn about the work environment are workstations, the cafeteria, the pantry, the tech support department, and the protocols. 

4. Review the materials for onboarding and orientation

   If you received materials regarding your onboarding and orientation, go through them to understand how things work. 

5. Speak with other employees

   In the initial days, interact with your colleagues during work hours and breaks. It will make you feel more comfortable in the office.

6. Ask questions

   Although the first few days are more about listening, you can ask questions when you have doubts. It will show your intent to learn about the job.

7. Carry a positive attitude

   Once you join, your supervisors and co-workers will constantly judge your attitude. So, make sure to maintain a positive vibe.

8. Keep away your phone

   Fully focus on your work and protocols at the office, and putting away your phone is one of them. 

9. Show your intent to learn

   During the first few days on the job, listen and pay attention to the proceedings around you. It will show your intent to learn.

10. Understand the expectations of your supervisor

    After onboarding, your supervisor will give you details about the job. Listen carefully and understand his/her expectations of you. 

11. Stay around positive people

    Interact with positive-minded people at work and keep your distance from those who always complain. If someone complains or spreads negativity, try to stay “neutral.” 

12. Identify the star performers

    Identify star performers at the workplace and analyse the characteristics, skills, and traits that make them successful.

13. Learn to manage your time

    Time management is crucial to meet your deadlines. Learn the efficient methods to complete your work with consistent performance.

14. Offer to help others

    Although in the new job you will mainly be learning about the workplace, you can still help your co-workers with basic tasks. It will portray you as a helpful person.

15. Be open to feedback

    In the new job, you will probably receive feedback from your supervisor or senior employees about your work. Be receptive to feedback and apply it to improve your work.

Important dos and don'ts as the new employee

Avoid common new job mistakes

Avoid the following common mistakes at your new job:

• Not asking relevant questions or clarifying expectations

• Talking or bragging about a previous job

• Taking on too much work but unable to finish

• Ignoring the work culture in the new job

• Staying isolated from others

Observe, listen & engage

A new employee must observe the proceeding in the new job, listen to others, and engage with co-workers.