HR Advice: 7 CRUCIAL Do’s And Don’ts Of Being The New Employee

By Jane Gakaria,

So you’ve just aced your interview and you’ve been given the job. ‘Pheww’! You think the hard part’s over until you realize that now you have a whole new hurdle of dealing with being the newbie.

Being the newbie can be quite challenging as you now have to prove yourself, all the while trying to adapt to a new work routine and building relationships with your co-workers.

With that said, we sought Ms. Fridah Abuya’s help, a HR Consultant with Virtual HR, on some of the dos and don’ts of being a newbie.

DOS.

1.Adapt to the company culture.
“It’s generally easier for new employees to succeed when they try to adapt to the company’s culture.” She also adds that new employees should also try to be more observant and listen more, as this will help them get a faster grasp of the company culture.

Building rapport with your co-workers is also very important as it helps you assimilate to their culture faster.

2.Ask a lot of questions.
“This applies especially to new employees who may not know how to use particular facilities or even those who fear asking too many questions lest they be considered annoying.” Ms. Abuya actually encourages asking many questions since it will help the employee to better to fit in, and can be taken as a sign of the employee’s eagerness to learn

3.Give a fresh perspective.
“Employers are always looking for ways to better the company, so when called upon, you could give your fresh perspective as a new employee on how to improve on something.”

Also, Ms. Abuya adds, if there is a more effective way of doing something in the company that you may know of, please share. For all you know your creative solutions could actually cut down company costs.

4.Remain neutral to internal politics.
Every company has its own messy politics. Whether its people gossiping about other employees or just silly power plays, STAY OUT OF IT! “YOU ARE NOT A REFEREE! So don’t waste your time taking sides on matters that have nothing to do with you. Remain neutral and do what you were hired to do!” Ms. Abuya quips.

DON’TS.

1.Don’t make negative comparisons.
Accept that you’re in a new environment that will be different from what you’re used to, more so if it’s a worse environment. “Comparing could be taken as a sign of you complaining and being ungrateful.” Also, don’t go around bragging to your colleagues about how skilled you were at your previous post. Instead use the new opportunity to learn new things, share ideas and build yourself.

2.Don’t fool around with your probation period.
“Whether its 3 months, 6 months or even a year, take the probation period seriously as it could make or break you. Do what is expected of you in the best way you can. Should the company not want you then it’s their loss, but if you’re a ‘joker’, don’t expect them to be calling you anytime soon.”

3.Don’t close your mind to improvements.
Always be open to new ideas and new ways of doing things especially if they’ll help to improve your work or your relationships. Whether it’s a new computer system that you don’t understand or whether it’s a new work routine, just go with it. Trust that the company has your best interests at heart, as this will help build your career within the company.

In conclusion, don’t fret too much about being the ‘newbie’, after all, we all had to start from somewhere. And besides should you make it through the first day, then everything else should be smooth sailing.

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