The first week in a new role is daunting. All those new people to get to know, all the new practices to learn and not to mention who you’re going to sit with at lunch…

As always though, we’re here to offer you some advice on how to get through the pressures of what’s most important – enjoying your new job!

Get yourself organised

It’s crucial to develop an effective strategy for managing your time and workload; because it’s often the case that you’ll feel you do not have enough time to complete all of your tasks, which will lead to stress. Bear in mind that when you are organised your productivity will increase.

The ability for you to carry out your work duties efficiently can’t be overstated – good planning is one of the most valuable assets which anyone can have because it’ll ensure you get your work done. Great organisation gets the best out of people.

Make sure you have everything you need in order to perform your work, like your laptop, mobile phone and stationery.

Who doesn’t love new stationary?

Now for the really important stuff; find out where the coffee and tea are kept, do you need someone to show you how to use the coffee maker? Who washes the dishes? Don’t leave dirty cups or plates around.

Also take the time to check your tax code is correct!

Take the time to get to know “all” people around you

Smile, be pleasant and take the time to introduce yourself. For example, if you’re in a lift, kitchen or canteen take the time to be social; it’s important to acknowledge other people in the workplace. Also, a pleasant hello is always important before entering into a conversation about work.

Remember, manners at all times say please and thank you and treat everyone with equal respect, by being friendly you are making yourself approachable.

Modern day work life is now at a fast pace which results in stress but people are less tense if they feel that those around them are friendly and as a result increases their confidence.

Strengthen your new connections on social media but reconnect with former colleagues

Update your profile across your own social media network and make yourself a valuable contact. It’s important to stay in touch with former colleagues.

It doesn’t have to be time-consuming, send them an email, or meet for coffee, offer advice and help whenever needed, as one day you may want a favour returned.

Listen & Learn

Listening skills are an important part of communication, listening is a professional, academic and daily skill.

First impressions are remembered – so watch what you say and do; it’s crucial to possess valuable listening skills, listen attentively to the objectives of your boss and spend the first week learning who the key people will be in getting your job done.

Listening is imperative to effective working relationships among employees and between management and staff.

Make Notes

Taking notes is a great way of helping you identify important concepts; getting au fait with a new job is a gradual process and it’s impossible to remember everything.

Therefore you need to constantly bank your knowledge and it is imperative to record activities as this will help you in your personal development within the company as well as increase your confidence. Write down any relevant dates, topics or any future events and prepare any relevant research.