EMPLOYEE TIPS - ADJUST WELL | FAMILIARISING ONESELF WITH A NEW WORKPLACE IS AKIN TO FINDING ONE'S WAY THROUGH A MAZE. HERE ARE A FEW STEPS THAT CAN HELP YOU SETTLE IN AT YOUR NEW OFFICE

Preparing for a new role at a new office is both exciting and intimidating. The enthusiasm of starting something new, establishing fresh credentials as an add-on to one's existing achievements, meeting new people and gathering new experiences is undebatable. The intimidation often comes from not knowing the everyday work culture, the fear of being judged by existing employees, the uncertainty of how the organisation and teams work and whether one would fit in. Clearly, settling and adjusting well when moving in to a new workplace is an adventure with a few hiccups.

So how does one take steps to familiarise oneself with the new work environment?

CONNECT WITH EMPLOYEES

It pays to be better-informed before joining the workplace. Says Naresh Garg, AVP, Grex Alternative Investments Private Ltd, “Doing some prior research on the orgnisation you will be joining makes it easier to adapt to the culture of the place. It helps one prepare for any surprises that may crop up.“ He adds, “Just like in my case, often friends refer you for jobs. In such a case, it is easy to talk to the people who have informed you about the opening as well as existing employees to get some first-hand information about the work culture. For places, where you don't know anyone personally, online forums and social media groups are good arenas to begin with. One may get insights from existing or previous employees who are often willing to share information.“

ACCEPT THE ENVIRONMENT AND PEOPLE

While prior research can be a great place to start, the real adventure of adjusting to a new place only begins on entering the office. Keep an eye out for the enthusiastic popular colleague who is willing to introduce you to any and every other employee. In case that does not happen and you are left with an employee handbook or organisational processes handouts to study before any real human interaction takes place, accept the scenario. Not having expecta tions can be helpful. Most organisations conduct induction sessions for new employees.Make sure to attend one to not only to understand the organisation's goals, but also clarify your doubts on everyday procedures and protocols. Who knows, you may also end up making new friends among the other joinees.

AVOID COMPARISONS

Trying to seek all the positives one had at the old workplace or drawing comparisons is a strict no-no. Seeking interactions is a must, be it with colleagues in the next cubicle, on the lunch table or even with one's own team leadersseniors. Interacting with colleagues and people around will help you build a network in office. Advises Nandini Saraf, who recently joined a publishing house as a copy editor, “In spite of knowing that some of the friendships you form during your initial days will not last long, it is important to make friends from day one. You need to mingle and avoid being alone. Your new friends will give you a clear picture of how things are. At times, they may also become your go-to buddies when you are given a whole lot of work that you are initially not well acquainted with.“

BE HONEST

Lastly, the traditional advice of being honest, acknowledging mistakes, asking questions, taking notes, dressing well, etc, holds true even today.

To sum up, adjusting to a new role takes some time. All you need is to be patient with the processes and people around.

Source | Mumbai Mirror | 11 June 2015