Learning Customs of a New Office
Posted in Workplace Advice
When entering a new office, you are usually introduced to the ins and outs of your work as well as its environment. However, there would be some little details that would not be briefed to you, and once you realize about such it would be too late. For instance, you would probably be surprised when a co-worker reprimands you because you did not read your e-mail over the weekend as every employee should, but no one told you about it.
Just like going to a new country, learning a new workplace's culture and customs can be challenging, regardless of prior work experience. There are cultural norms and behavior that go way beyond what anybody would have the capability to write in a job description.
Being new in the workplace and having no idea about its customs, it wouldn't be surprising that co-workers label you as an outsider who doesn't fit into the corporate culture. More often than not, you are stuck with your old culture.
However, you can't just ask the boss too much. Although it is much encouraged by some companies-believing that confrontation can generate sharp, creative thinking-others consider it inappropriate and disrespectful. So how can you adjust with your new office's culture?
Take advantage of the grace period - New employees usually are given a month or two to learn how things are done in the company. Use that time in asking questions to your superiors. It may be quite embarrassing at first, but it's much more humiliating if you remain ignorant a year later.
Observe your workmates - Watch others and follow their lead. Try to enlist a friend or office assistant from whom you can seek guidance, and ask those people to alert you when you have unknowingly violated an unwritten rule.
Observe carefully - You would learn your office customs through trial and error. Once you realize about these rules that you have to follow, try not to break them.
