Are You the New Employee on the Block?

Imagine being a new employee – you’re new to the organization and it is your first week on the job. You are nervous about everything – the job, the boss, the coworkers and the workspace. You’re overwhelmed about change in general and concerned about doing a good job.

Years ago, I experienced similar feelings when I accepted a new position as a financial leader with a Fortune 500 company. My anxiety was high the first couple of months, but this was normal. A Healthline article states that new job anxiety is incredibly common. In fact, it’d be more surprising if you didn’t feel any nervousness at all.

To manage your feelings as a new employee, follow these simple tips:

Spend time with your supervisor – occasional talk is time well spent.

• Discuss performance objectives and goals with your supervisor. Ask pertinent questions and take notes for reference at a later time. Soak up as much information as possible and find out how you can add value to the organization.
• Tour the building and let your supervisor introduce you to coworkers. Interact with coworkers daily. This will give you valuable insight into your organization and help you to make lasting connections with them.

Organize yourself – the secret of your success is found in your daily routine.

• Purchase office supplies to organize your workspace for success. Set up your area to reflect your home away from home.
• Get a desk calendar, which is a great way to stay on top of meetings, deadlines and tasks. It can also limit the stress of having many assignments to complete.
• Post pictures of family and friends. Making your office to your liking will allow you to feel less stressed.

Be mindful, which leads to authenticity – your resting place.

• Know your surroundings. Be sure to find out where the restrooms and emergency exits are located. You also want to know where the breakroom and other amenities are. Seek to find quiet places inside or outside the building – this is where mindfulness begins. Getting away for a few minutes can improve your performance and stimulate positive self-talk.
• Become familiar with your coworkers. Latch onto someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. Share conversations. Having a close friend at work helps with productivity.
• Invest in an ergonomic chair and footrest to exercise your legs while working. This will surely relieve stress throughout the day.

Whenever you think anxiety is a barrier to your success, think again. Using these tips helped me reduce workplace anxiety as a new employee, and then helped me develop professionally as an authentic, balanced leader.

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Wanda Dandridge is a subject matter expert on financial management systems for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy located at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Her government career spans over 15 years, starting as an Army intern in financial management, then subsequently emerging as a transformational leader with DLA specializing in budget analysis, logistical support and employee development. Wanda’s greatest career accomplishment is receiving the Federal Employee of the Year Award with DLA Energy Pacific in 2012. Her philosophy is to lead by example while fostering others for their desired purpose. She is a Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) who enjoys volunteering in her local community.