Here are 5 steps you can take to make your first day, and the months and years that will follow, as easy as possible.
1. Research The Company’s Office Culture Beforehand
Have a look at their website to find out the kind of team socials they go on and what people wear in the office. From the graphics and tone of the copy on the site, is there a relaxed environment in their office or will you be working in a very formal environment? This will prevent you from turning up in a full suit when everyone else is wearing jeans and jumpers. Make sure that you know everything that you need to be aware of to fit into your new team’s rhythm as soon as possible. If you have any questions about your new employer’s culture, ask them before you start on your first day.
2. Reach Out To Your New Colleagues
Ask for introductions to people you will be working with before your first day in the office. If you can, go for a coffee with your new colleagues and get to know them before starting. Your first day will then become a far less daunting prospect. Try to arrange to go for lunch with your new team on your first day, so that you will be able to start gelling with them from the get-go. Sitting through lunch on your own on your first day is a horrible experience. Forward planning will ensure that this doesn’t happen.
3. Be Positive About Your New Role On Social Media
Almost everyone checks their feed on at least one social network before heading to work. Make sure that you have connected with your colleagues, and that they see posts explaining how excited you are to start working with them, as they make their way to work. Both you and your new team will be slightly unsure of how well you’ll get on in the working environment. Starting this collaboration of with positivity kickstarts your future working relationship on the best possible note.
4. Stay On Good Terms With Your Old Colleagues
It always helps to have friends who you can call after your first day who will support you as you adjust to your new role. Maintaining warm relations with your previous employer will make it as easy as possible for you to contact and meet-up with former colleagues, without them worrying about facing any difficult repercussions when they get back to their desks.
5. Make Tea
Pretty much everyone loves tea. Very often the only way to become more popular than tea is to be the person who makes everyone in the team a cuppa without even being asked to do so. This is a great way to generate some goodwill on your first day in a new role, and also provides you with a great opportunity to talk to everyone in your office.
How We Help
Our Mental Health Awareness Training for Managers and Online Mental Health Awareness for Managers courses help managers ensure that their teams are able to manage the stress that can be felt both by staff starting new roles, and by existing employees changing their working habits to adapt to new additions to their team. If you would like to help make it easier for your new hires to settle in, get in touch with us today.