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New job, new responsibilities and a completely different environment. Working as an employee means that you have to keep your wits about you at all times. In such a scenario, it is imperative that one knows how to conduct oneself at work. This doesn’t just mean following the company dress code or keeping personal opinions to yourself. It also means learning how to maintain a professional demeanor while being trustworthy, ethical and responsible in your duties. Resuming your role as an employee after working independently is not easy for everyone; especially if it is the first time you are handling a 9-to-5 job (or any job, for that matter). Whether it’s adjusting to the new environment or getting used to the expectations of your boss and team members, there are many factors at play here. Read on and know how to conduct yourself at work like a pro.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Especially if you are working in a completely new environment, you might feel a little uneasy about certain aspects of your job. While you don’t want to be excessively questioning everything, it is important that you aren’t shy in asking questions when necessary. All it takes is one person (most likely a team member who is familiar with the working process) to help you get a feel of things. Once you have a basic idea of what is expected of you, it gets easier to fit in and do your job without feeling apprehensive. You don’t want to be that guy who is too afraid to ask for help. On the other hand, you want to make sure that you are not overdoing it either. Asking questions is alright, but don’t go overboard and start questioning every little thing that you come across.
Always Be On Time
This is something that you have to take seriously. Remember, you are an employee and have to abide by company policies. Yes, you might have been late too many times while working independently, but this is a new work environment now. That doesn’t mean you should be late on a consistent basis. Give yourself enough time to get to work without any hiccups. Taking a cab or public transport is okay, but don’t let it become a habit. If you are driving yourself to work, try to be as responsible as possible and be on time every day. You don’t want to give your new employer a bad impression of you from the get-go. Always be on time and don’t let being late become a bad habit. Be responsible and abide by the rules and policies of the company. It will help you in the long run.
Stay Professional
Being professional isn’t just about dressing the part and being presentable at the workplace. It is about having an appropriate attitude and demeanour at all times. Be mindful of your words and actions at all times. If your boss is dealing with a difficult client on the phone and you are in the same room, stay quiet and don’t make any unnecessary noise. You don’t want to appear unprofessional and make her job harder. You have to be cautious about what you are doing even if you think that no one is watching you. It is easy to appear unprofessional even when you don’t mean to. It can happen to anyone, even the most diligent employee. It is easy to have a slip-up when you are new to the job. You might make a mistake while handling the computer or misspell a word while typing. Don’t fret if this happens. It is okay to make a mistake once in a while. Just try to learn from it and move on. Don’t make a bigger deal of it than it actually is.
Don’t Discriminate and Behave Appropriately
This is something that is applicable in all workplaces, not just the ones in North America. Discrimination in any form is not acceptable in a corporate environment. This includes discriminating against people of different religions, races, sexual orientations, etc. It doesn’t matter if you are joking about it or not. Keep in mind that your boss and team members might be offended by such jokes and comments. While you might be able to get away with saying such things in your personal life, it is not appropriate in the workplace. Behave appropriately and don’t make any comments or do anything discriminatory. Even if you are joking, someone might take offence to it. It is better to be safe than sorry. You don’t have to be best friends with your co-workers, but you have to be respectful towards them. Show them that they are in the company of a considerate and responsible person. Even if you don’t see eye to eye with your team members, don’t let it affect your work. You have been hired for a reason and it is your job to deliver.
Over-deliver and Show Your Value
You might be wondering how to conduct yourself at work if you are just starting out. One of the best ways to make a good impression on your new employer is by over-delivering on your promises and showing your value. Your boss will be impressed by your hard work and dedication to the company. Make your employer see why they hired you and not someone else for the job. It is not only about the work that you do but also the way in which you do it. Be responsible and take your job seriously. Don’t shirk your responsibilities and try to take on as many tasks as possible. This is a good way of creating a lasting impression and impressing your employer. Your actions and work ethic say a lot about you as a person. Don’t let your employer down and don’t shirk your responsibilities. Try to always be on top of things and complete what you need to on time. This will help you in the long run.
Summing up
There are many things you have to keep in mind while handling a 9-to-5 job. In order to successfully conduct yourself as an employee, it is important to know how to dress appropriately, be on time, stay professional, not discriminate, and over-deliver. New job, new responsibilities and a completely different environment. Working as an employee means that you have to keep your wits about you at all times. In such a scenario, it is imperative that one knows how to conduct oneself at work. You have to be responsible, diligent, and respectful.
