How To Adjust To A New Workplace

Continuing our theme this week of adapting to change within your professional environment and beyond, today’s focus will be on concrete ways to adjust and readjust as needed. Making on-the-fly changes is a skill that is especially appreciated in situations where you find yourself as the new person in your office. A key component of navigating this scenario is flexibility, especially during our current, rapidly changing circumstances. Finding the positive elements in any scenario is another tool to utilize as learn and grow within your new role. Rather than being overwhelmed by your new duties, think of this transition period as a phenomenal opportunity to expand your skill set! The pros we’ve turned to below will help you to do just that.

This suggestion from the pros at Indeed is useful anytime, but especially when navigating new workplace circumstances: “Stay positive. Regardless of what group, department or company you are working with, a positive attitude is essential. Maintaining the ability to view a potential change with a positive attitude is integral to your ability to adjust rapidly. Focus on what could be made possible because of this change….Jump right in and meet the new people you will be working with directly. Look for ways to leverage your abilities to the fullest extent within the new role, as it can have a big impact on everyone around you.” Positivity is key! Remember that you can always find a silver lining, even when professional change feels frightening. Instead of concentrating on the obstacles your adjustment period might include, focus on the new opportunities to be found. Simple steps like smiling will also help instantly boost your mood. And that adaptability is a surefire way to gain your employers’ appreciation. Make sure you’re staying on your bosses’ radars in the best way—practice positivity!

We also love this collaborative method for adapting from Dan Schawbel at Quick Base: “Communicate with others to learn your new role. After you get moved into your new role, you should quickly find all of the stakeholders that you rely on and connect with them. Find those that have already been in your role and get them to teach you everything you need to know so you can get up to speed. Become good at asking questions because the more you know, the better equipped you will be in this role and the easier your life will be. If you wait too long to reach out to them, your performance will start lacking and people will notice.” Communication is key! Asking your colleagues questions about your role is a great way to start figuring out what methods work best for everyone in your workplace community, as well as demonstrating your respect for your co-workers’ knowledge. Know that it’s okay to not know everything right off the bat; no one expects you to know it yet! And acting like a know-it-all will most likely backfire, as unfortunately you’ll come off as arrogant rather than confident. You truly don’t need to be the smartest person in the room—you just need to be willing to admit that you’re not that person, and then put in the work to find them. 

Alongside communication, commitment is key to succeeding. Employers want to see that you’re committed to their organization, that you’re dedicated to making full use of the time and energy that is being expended to train you as you transition into your new role. Make sure that you’re practicing gratitude during your training, thanking those who’ll need to slow down in their own duties in order to bring you up to speed. And don’t forget to maintain your sense of positivity! We know it’s not easy being the new person in an established office setting, especially if you’re entering amidst turbulent circumstances. But we know that you have the strength to do it. And we’ll be providing you with tips for adapting to change and cheering you on along the way all week! Visit us again tomorrow for a midweek mood boost with our Wednesday Wellness: Readjust edition.

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