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This post is for walking you through 5 tips on how to adapt to a new workplace environment, so that you can set the best impression and set yourself up for success in your new company.

When you first start a new job, it’s very easy to just go with the flow, do as you’re told, and try not to rock the boat just so that you can pass the probation period. But the truth is, there are actually different ways that you can show up to your new workplace environment, not only so that you can fit in and adapt, but so that you can truly be your best self every day?


Observe the lay of the land

Notice how things are done. If you find that the way people work in your company or department is very individualistic, (meaning people are very independent with their work), then take notice of that and keep that in mind. This likely means that in this company, they tend to value making independent decisions and being able to come up with solutions or recommendations on your own, with limited guidance and supervision. On the other hand, if you find that there’s a lot of collaboration going on, and people are sharing ideas with one another, then perhaps this company or team tends to value communication and teamwork. Being able to take notice of your environment will help you in your future interactions with your co-workers and colleagues on the tasks and projects that you end up working on.


Be friendly and introduce yourself to people as you meet them

You don’t have to necessarily go around handing cookies to every new co-worker that you meet to introduce yourself, but you should be willing to smile and introduce yourself and talk to anyone who comes across your path. Don’t be afraid to make small talk with your new co-workers. Ask them how long they’ve been here and what they do. Ask them small questions in a friendly yet professional way.


Learn the processes and systems of the organization

The earlier and more you’re able to understand how the business works, the better you’re going to be able to perform at your job. Take notes and ask critical questions. When you’re receiving training, play around with the software used in system. Do not be afraid to ask questions. This will all help to accelerate your learning of the basics for your job.


Ask smart questions

When you first join a company, right then and there is the time that you should ask the questions that need to be asked. People aren’t going to be upset with you if you ask them the basic questions now, but they may be upset with you if you ask basic questions six months or a year from now. You need to think through the questions that you want to ask so that you can understand the business and the processes better. You need to be willing to actually open your mouth and ask them, and don’t forget what the answers are. You don’t want to repeat the same questions again and again because you didn’t take proper notes, or because you didn’t understand it when it was explained to you.


Identify the low-hanging fruits

Identifying opportunities for improvement once you’re familiar with your team and the business processes, it’s now time to start observing and identifying possible areas for improvement and opportunities for the company. Identify things that you know can easily be improved on and will increase the level of efficiency for your team. For example, let’s say that you identify manual processes in your team or departments that are slowing things down, and that you know if you just implemented an automated Excel spreadsheet, it would speed up the processes and require less manual labor. Once you identify such a recommendation, don’t be afraid to bring it to the attention of your manager. Offer yourself to be the lead person to make that change, and then implement that change implement. Don’t forget to record the results of the improvement that you implemented, so that at the end of the year when there’s a performance review, you are able to bring it up. Actions like this greatly increase chances for bonus or promotion.


So there you have it! Those were my five tips on how to adapt to a new workplace environment, so that you can set yourself up for success.