subject: Things Not to Do on Your First Day of Work [print this page] Author: Carolyn Gibson, CPM Author: Carolyn Gibson, CPM
On your first day at a new job, your company will have both written and unwritten rules of conduct and expectations from its new employee. You must leave your old work and social habits behind you, and try to blend into the new work culture you have joined. When you make an error, just because nothing is said the first or second time does not mean it is accepted. You only have a few minutes to make a good impression on your first day of work. If you are bored because nothing has been prepared for you to do, find something acceptable to do, like read the employee manual or annual report. Ask your supervisor for work, or if you can assist another employee with their work. This article includes examples of an employee who does not respect the rules of the company for which he works. Arrogance and anger can fuel this behavior. In addition, this type of employee is showing a sense of entitlement at the job. Entitlement is one of the most damaging aspects of a new employee. You are not entitled to thumb your nose at the company rules of conduct. You are not at the same level as the boss, even if the boss is your friend. You are expected to behave and follow the rules of your peers. These first day, or even first week behaviors will bring attention to you in a harmful way: Arrive at work late Leave work early Talk on your cell phone, or listen to your ipod as you work Read the newspaper until you are told what to do Finish reading the newspaper after you are told what to do Play solitaire or update your resume on the computer Surf the Internet, or check your email Make a lot of personal telephone calls, including long distance Take lunch and stay longer than allowed Arrive back from lunch either with alcohol on your breath or drunk Ask for an advance on your first paycheck Show up dressed inappropriately There is a good reason why most companies implement a probation period of employment. This is to allow the employee time to show that he or she is a team player. You are expected to not only show the ability to do the work, but a willingness to do the work. Respect for the rules and the codes of conduct at the firm are also part of what is expected of you. The owner and/or your supervisor must and can act definitively on inappropriate behavior by terminating your employment the first day of work. They can also opt to work with you and bring you into the corporate culture. After you are told what you can and cannot do, and you continue to do it, the company must mitigate the potential for this behavior to spread by getting the employee out of the company. Waiting until the three months are over will send the wrong message of tolerance. There is a lot riding on your first day of work. Your behavior can take you a long way in the company, or a short trip to the door. Be positive and careful not to step on any toes. Even if you see others in violation, remember that you must earn your right to be comfortable at your new job. Show restraint and good judgment on your first day at work. It will serve you well. About the Author:
Carolyn Gibson, a Certified Property Manager from Boston, Massachusetts, runs Synergy Professional Services, Inc., a real estate management consulting firm.
Carolyn is a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), an international property management trade organization.
Ms. Gibson has more than two decades of senior level residential property management experience. Her web site contains many articles reflecting her experiences working with landlords, real estate developers, and tenant groups.
