Adjusting to a new work environment is extremely stressful: new co-workers, a new boss, and a new position. You’re getting used to your new surroundings, trying to get comfortable in your cubicle or office, all while trying to get on the good sides of your new co-workers. How do you do it? The first tip to taking on any task is to relax.
Don’t try to put on a front for anybody. Be yourself. Don’t pretend that you are more qualified than you actually are and do not brag about your qualifications. It’s best to be humble. No one likes someone who brags and if you do, it tends to create a competitive, hostile environment in the work place.
Taking on a new position, you want to show that you deserved the position. Offer to take on extra tasks and stay later than you need to. The most important thing when you are first starting out is to get your work area organized. Once you get busy, it becomes a challenge to clean up your work space. You want to start off on the right foot.
Introduce yourself! Coming into a new work environment can be intimidating, but don’t let it get the best of you. It’s easy to go into a new environment and be the wall flower: one who does what they have to do, and quietly goes home for the day. Step out of your comfort zone and get to know people. They may not have even known someone new was hired within the company, depending on the size of the place where you’re working.
Invite your co-workers out to lunch or to grab a drink after work. This helps to get to know them better, and makes going to work feel more comfortable.
Over rall, how you adapt to a new work environment is up to you. If you’re more comfortable being a wall flower and you’re ok with that, that’s fine! If you’d rather work in an environment where you know everybody, and everybody knows you, follow these few steps to get you started on the right path. Good luck!
Photo:Cho
