Workplace Minute – Surviving Day One

Today’s workplace minute will cover tips on surviving day one at your new job.

Things you should take with you:

• Notebook & Pen
• Lunch
• Bottle of Water
• Cash (Vending Machine)

TIP: Pick out you day one outfit the night before!

1. Wake up nice and early, eat a good breakfast, and get ready for the day ahead.
2. Check the weather report to avoid any potential clothing mishaps and commute delays.
3. Aim to arrive at work at least 10 minutes before your scheduled shift but no earlier than 20.
4. Sort out your work area, have your notebook and pen handy and be sure to take notes.
5. Say hello to your new colleagues, introduce yourselves with a smile and use this time to ask questions.
6. Be prepared to be thrown into the mix! Most employers give their newbies a work task on day one.
7. If you are invited to an office meeting, be sure to take notes.
8. Staying super late will not impress your boss. Stay for your shift, perhaps a wee bit longer depending on business needs, go home and reflect on everything you learned on day one. Set the example early.

TIP: Ask questions if you are not sure about something, but make an attempt to figure out the problem yourself. Doing so shows initiative!

Remember… your first week, especially your first day will be overwhelming. Whenever it feels like a bit much, take a moment to yourself for a breather. It will make a world of a difference.

Workplace Minute – Workplace Stress

It’s normal to get stressed out time to time at the workplace. It is how you handle the stress that determines the gravity of the situation.

Here are a few tips to help improve and banish workplace stress:

• Don’t promise what you can’t deliver.
• Learn to manage your emotions instead of letting them manage you.
• Remind yourself of what’s really important in life.
• Try looking at situations from different points of view.
• Learn to say “no.”
• Stop procrastinating.
• Avoid negative people as much as possible.
• Get clear on your life goals and take a small step toward those goals every day.
• Learn to prioritize.
• Stop comparing yourself to others.
• Ask for help when you need it.
• Don’t try to control what is uncontrollable.

These along with previously mentioned tips: Workplace Minute – Workplace Stress (Nov.) can help alleviate some of that stress and get you moving in the right direction.

Workplace Minute – Email Etiquette

Xavi Esteve shares his thoughts on the 5 most important rules and protocols that exist in online communications. Here are his list of 5 rules to email etiquette.

The 5 rules to email etiquette:

1. Keep it short
2. Reply to all (when relevant)
3. Descriptive subject
4. Searchable emails
5. Keep it organized

Read his breakdown, print his useful tool (link below) and use as a reference when you are preparing your next email.

USEFUL TOOL: THE 5 RULES TO EMAIL ETIQUETTE

 

 

Workplace Minute – Time Management

How do you spend your time each day?

Below are some valuable tips on how manage your time better.

• Create a daily plan and make a to-do list
• Apply a time limit to each task
• Use a calendar
• Learn to say “No”
• Target to be early
• Set reminders
• Focus
• Block out distractions and don’t get sidetracked
• Track the time spent
• Prioritize
• Delegate
• Eliminate your time wasters
• Cut off when you need to
• Get a good night’s sleep

Start improving your time management skills today by making a plan using the tips provided.

Workplace Minute – Attitude

Attitude is everything at the workplace. Employees with positive attitudes tend to be more productive than their counterparts. There are several benefits to having a positive work attitude, and just as many ways to cultivate a positive work attitude.

Here are some quick tips on how to keep your attitude in the workplace on check.

• Take control of your attitude
• Be solution-oriented, not problem-focused
• Avoid whiners and complainers
• Be constructive, productive, and pleasant; never criticize
• Stay away from gossip

Most importantly, keep in mind the people your surround yourself with at the workplace play a significant role on your daily outlook!

Workplace Minute – Workplace Stress

How to BANISH workplace stress:

• Practice daily meditation
• Release physical tension
• Use constructive language in every interaction
• Set positive intentions and stick with them
• Evaluate your coping mechanisms
• Be compassionate with yourself and others

Workplace Minute – Written Communication

Effective written communication is important whether your job involves extensive writing or simple email correspondence:

• Organize the message.
• Emphasize important points.
• Write what you mean.
• Use simple language.
• Keep a professional tone.
• Edit and revise.
• Use easy-to-read formats.
• Ask co-workers to proofread.

Workplace Minute – Communication

You will be more effective if you are able to communicate clearly with others.

Here are some quick tips on how to communicate effectively:

• Pronounce words clearly.
• Use a pleasant voice.
• Speak at a steady pace.
• Engage the listener.
• Adjust your volume.
• Show appropriate enthusiasm with tone and pitch.
• Use proper grammar.
• Be brief.
• Match body language to comments and discussions.