Getting ‘back to work butterflies’ doesn’t have to be your reality, even if this is your first day at a new job. The key to success is to set the pace with a good, strong foundation so you can adapt to your new work environment as quickly as possible.
Here’s what it takes to hit the ground running at your new job:
1. Keep Everything Organized
A proper filing system is every employee’s secret weapon. From your offer of employment to training forms and even your job description, you want to keep it all safe. The last thing you want is for your individual tax return to get lost before you turn it in, so it’s important that you know where all your things are.
Use calendars and planners, learn to prioritize, and establish a solid routine. Make use of productivity apps, use a color scheme for your itinerary – whatever it takes to add some order to your life.
2. Leave The Long Face Outside
Everybody’s got problems, but that doesn’t mean yours should be written all over your face. Remaining polite at all times, regardless of how you feel on the inside, is something you need to take seriously.
As you go about your duties, anyone observing you should get the impression that you’re operating with passion and that you actually enjoy what you do. Prioritize your mental health with regular self-care, and be kind to yourself and others.
3. Study The Terrain
This is an essential survival tactic. Knowing the place you’re setting up camp in will determine where you rank in the corporate food chain. Start by doing some serious research on the organization you’ve joined.
From company culture and values to where you fit in the bigger scheme of things, you’ve got to know it all. Talk to long-serving employees and seek clarity from your superiors. Think of it as the kind of reconnaissance mission you might play in a video game to gain knowledge about your new environment.
4. Find An Ally
Establish a partnership with a colleague early on so that you have someone with whom you can share helpful advice. Basically, you need a work buddy who’ll always cover your shifts and help you out when you need it. Obviously, you’ll do the same for them. Since you’re new to the company, you’ll need to have a lot of conversations to find the right fit. Of course, this is a great thing to do in and of itself as you’ll get to know all your new colleagues better.
5. Take Time Out
Many employees don’t recognize the importance of getting rest. However, if you want to avoid burnout, you’ll need to take some time to do the things that replenish your energy.
Whether you prefer hanging out with friends or relaxing by yourself in a tub filled with hot water and essential oils, your productivity will depend on whether you truly enjoy your downtime. Setting aside some ‘me-time’ will help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
6. Take It Easy
How you perceive your work will make you feel a certain way about it, which then affects your performance. If you consider work to be a struggle, then that’s what it’s going to be. If you think of it as a game, it’ll be enjoyable, and you’ll sail right through it.
While pressure may seem high when starting out, employers will usually be lenient as you learn the ropes. As such, you should try to relax and take pleasure in everything you do. Take notes whenever someone teaches you something new, and always aim for excellence.
