If you’ve ever started a new job, you may have felt a bit like the new kid in school. It can be a bit nerve-wracking when you aren’t sure if you are going to fit in, make friends, and have a peaceful work life in the new place.
We have four tips for getting in on your new coworkers’ good sides and making friends.
Learn Your Co-worker’s Names and Be Friendly
Make an effort to learn the names of those you work with, and be sure to be friendly and courteous with them. It will be much more work later to overcome a negative first impression than to simply create a good one from the beginning. Don’t underestimate the power of what your caregivers taught you as a child, and use your manners.
Don’t Share All of Your Ideas in the Beginning
No one wants to be told that everything they’re doing is wrong. When you first enter a new work situation, it’s normal to be excited and have lots of ideas about how things can be made to run smoother. Do your best to refrain from sharing all of those ideas with your co-workers as soon as you walk through the door.
If you’re asked for your opinion, of course, feel free to give it; with tact. Otherwise, save your input for after you’ve been working at the new place for a while. You may just find that the way they do things works great, after all.
Try to Connect Outside of Work
Look for common interests with your co-workers. If you hear them talking about a television show you also like or if you see someone with a coffee cup that sports the logo of a team you support, strike up a conversation. Use common interests to naturally schedule events outside of work to help bond you with your co-workers. Suggest a meet-up to watch an important game or host a party to watch the first episode of the new season of a favorite show.
Work Hard and Help Your Co-Workers When You Can
Nothing will turn your co-workers off faster than not doing your job or refusing to pitch in on something that isn’t strictly in your job description. Consider what’s good for the whole crew.
Have an attitude of hard work and dependability. Be available to help with things that a co-worker might be behind on. That doesn’t mean that you should consistently cover for a slacking team member, of course, but helping a fellow hard worker is a great idea.
It’s not always easy to fit into a new situation, but with a little work and thoughtfulness, you’ll be taking steps toward building long-lasting relationships with your new co-workers.