The Work Environment (Things to Know Besides your Skill Set)

After working in an office for two-and-a-half years and getting used to a more sedentary lifestyle, here are some points that I wish I had considered at the beginning of my career.

1- What do I bring to the table that is the same, but more importantly, that is different than the majority of other employees? How can I highlight these skills?

2- What is the time difference between the time that the office is officially open and the time that a majority of the people get to work, leave from work, work from home, and come into work on the weekends?

3- What are the benefits that the office accommodates? Health insurance, vacation days, sick days (for self and immediate family members), bereavement time, honey- moon time, maternity leave, holidays, company sponsored off- site activities, company sponsored in- house events, ability to promote, ability to earn a raise in salary, continuing education compensation, qualification exam compensation, lunch-and-learn opportunities, on site exercise facility, on site cafeteria, walk-ability to other daily life locations, covered parking location, open/collaborative vs. silent/individual working environment, and accessibility to leadership for career discussions (are a few benefits to consider.)

4- What materials must employees provide vs. what materials are provided by the office?

5- What are the policies on personal/loner technology in the workplace and its effective use?

6- What is the flexibility of a new employee working for one specific department or working among multiple departments and which specialties must work together frequently on projects?

7- Do the employers know my specific background, skills, and portfolio and do I know the background, skills, and portfolio of other employees?

8- What are leadership opportunities available to me?

9- What is my five year trajectory and what are others' five year trajectories?

10- How would the company's culture be summarized?

What to do when starting a new job: ⁃ Introduce yourself to the owners (after doing some research about their background!) ⁃ Get to know people who do similar tasks as you ⁃ Understand other's strengths ⁃ Pin point your particular talent and share it with others ⁃ Do not get caught up in competing with others in the corporate world- everyone was hired for a reason and prayerfully your hard work will be rewarded ⁃ Enroll in health insurances ⁃ Find a: primary care physician, dentist, orthodontist,OBGYN, dermatologist, physical therapist, counselor and or any other professional you may need in the new area (after researching their record and insurance coverage allowances.) ⁃ Find a hair salon and nail salon ⁃ Observe the daily dress code ⁃ Bring special touches into your personal workspace (these can serve as conversation starters and bring warmth.) ⁃ Enroll in a 401k plan (that matches you, if applicable) ⁃ Update your tax information ⁃ Update your resume ⁃ Update your professional media sites ⁃ Start bringing in lunches and snacks. Then getting to know the selections available in the local cafeteria/ restaurants ⁃ Check sick days, vacation days and holidays- then plan doctors appointments and off-days accordingly ⁃ Perform your duties and continue to expand your skill set!!!

See more "work/career" articles on Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/YoursTrulyCKLSH/work/

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Conquering LIFE transitions in the presentation below...