You are just accepted at a new workplace. This means that you have to adapt to the new environment.
The new workplace with a new work atmosphere, habits, friendship environment, which may be very different from what you know so far. In a new workplace, in addition to the challenges of working on new responsibilities, you are also challenged to be able to adapt in a new environment, including how to communicate with new colleagues.
It’s okay, if you feel anxious and nervous at the first day in the new workplace. This nervousness is mainly because you really don’t know the atmosphere of the new office.
So, the ability to adapt is very important. The faster you adapt to the new atmosphere, the faster you can do your best there. The most important thing that will really help you adapt is how to communicate with the new colleagues.
Here are some tips for communicating in a new workplace:
1. Focus When The Introduction Process
When entering a new workplace, your status is a new employee. No matter what position you are in, you are a new employee.
A new employee will usually get guidance from the HRD team. The HRD team will usually provide information to you about important matters related to the internal company. For example, regarding the organizational structure, business activities or work performed, vision, mission, company values, habits and regulations that apply there.
The purpose of this introduction is to introduce the company to new employees. For that, you really need to focus when they explain it to you. Note the explanations given well. Ask questions if it is really needed, so when you start working, there are no more things that block you.
By focusing on paying attention to the explanations given at the introduction, and asking questions about things that you don’t understand, you show that you respect them. You listen to everything they say. Listening is one of the keys to a good communication.
2. Be Calm and Observe
Sometimes, there are people who are so passionate about working in a new place. They become overreacting. They act like they already know everybody.
This is maybe because the person wants to try to blend in immediately and is known by their colleagues. But, it really doesn’t need to be done. Excessive and pretentious attitude can even make other people feel uncomfortable, so that will actually limit your intercommunication.
It’s better to be casual. Observe first how the communication patterns that applies in the new office, like the communication style of your new colleagues, both to fellow work colleagues and to superiors.
When it’s time for a break or lunch, you can chat with new friends more relaxed. This is also an opportunity for you to observe their nature and behavior. That way, you can determine the right way to communicate with them later, especially when you want to discuss work issues.
3. Pay Attention to Your Voice
The point is, speak with the same volume with your new friends or with the circumstances around you. For example, there may be times when you need to speak quietly. There may also be times when you have to talk louder.
4. Use the Opportunity to Talk
At certain times, you must be proactive to get to know and be known by your new colleagues. You can’t just sit quietly and wait for them to be talked to. Every now and then, you must speak first. Of course, you have to look the situation first. You can start the chat when it’s time to relax, for example during recess. For that, prepare yourself with exciting chat materials.
5. Always be polite to everyone
Even if you are new, you don’t need to be inferior, especially if you meet or cross path with people who have higher positions than you. You can greet them politely, while making small talk.
Of course, you also have to be polite to everyone in the office. If you cross path with someone you just met, don’t look away and try to smile. You will never know, maybe that person turned out to be a big boss or a company owner.
By being polite, you have opened a barrier to build relationships with other people. Actually, it’s not just new people who are feeling awkward to communicate with old people somewhere. Old people will feel awkward when they have to interact with new people.
By being polite to each other, then you have reduced the awkwardness.
6. Avoid Excessive Complaints
As a new person, of course there will be things that make someone feel uncomfortable when in a new place. If you have worked in other places before, it will unconsciously make you compare it to the new one.
Even so, when you encounter something that makes you uncomfortable, just keep it in your heart. As a new person, you should not immediately file a complaint. Maybe, the thing that makes it uncomfortable is only temporary or actually doesn’t happen at any time.
Instead of thinking about complaints, you better focus on the fun about the new workplace. Isn’t that what used to make you interested in working in that place?
7. Manage Your Cubicle Properly
At the new workplace, you will get a desk or your own place to work. Arrange your cubicle well, so it is nice to see. Make sure that your telephone, laptop, and other devices have been set up in an organized fashion, so you are able to use them effectively when it comes to communicating with those who aren’t in the workplace. A SIP trunk (learn more here) with the latest features, and a device that has all the apps is also a must if you want to make sure you are communicating at a high quality. Don’t forget that a neat and pleasant cubicle will attract the attention of colleagues to visit. That way, your chances of being able to communicate and getting to know them more will be even greater.
Indeed, it is not easy to adapt in a new place. But, good communication skills will make your efforts to adapt easier.
