5 Tips for the Work Environment
Helpful tips to remember in the working space.
From my own experience of working in different companies over the last 6 years, I’d like to share 5 tips that I find most helpful. As they are based on my personal experiences (and personality) they might not be relevant to everyone.
1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s how you learn.
It’s actually surprising how many queries and questions can be answered by Google. That’s my first go to place to figure something out. I feel old saying this but I’ve lived in a time where there was no Google. Books or people were my only source! Now, I make good use of the platform and use it to figure out things such as how to complete a specific task in an application I’m new to. You can usually find a step by step guide or a short video tutorial for such things.
For processes or opinions or things that Google can’t answer, reach out to your manager or colleagues. There’s no need to feel shy or afraid of being judged. I certainly don’t feel that way. If I need help, I will ask for it. Just make sure you’re considerate of the other person’s time and ensure they’re free before asking them for help.
2. Learning-by-doing
When you learn about how something can be done (like tasks in an application, a process etc.) try it out. I find that I’m more likely to remember something by trying it out for myself instead of just reading about how it can be done or being told about it.
I became the lead support for audio video conferencing at AllianceBernstein in London by experimenting with the applications — creating and deleting dummy conferences for example. I tend to do a lot of self-learning which I feel helps the information sink in much better.
3. You don’t have to struggle alone
I know it can be difficult to own up that you don’t actually know how to complete a specific task. There can be times when we’re expected to do more than what we’re skilled to do. If you don’t know how to do it or struggle to get it done, don’t stress alone. Try asking your colleagues. They might be able to help or advise on how to do it. If not, be honest & tell your team leader/manager. They may provide you guidance or options for training on how to do it.
4. Your workplace is like your second home!
Build a good relationship with your team members. Not only should you be able to enjoy your job but also the environment that you work in. Work can get stressful but having short conversations with colleagues, whilst you grab your coffee, can help you get your mind off work for that short period. Having a good laugh at work from time to time also really helps liven the place up.
During a contract job that I had for Aviva Insurance in Norwich, UK, a co-worker asked me, “How are you able to stay so happy at work!?”
I have a sense of humor & like to make the place I work in a bit lively because that always helps build an enjoyable work environment.
5. Finally, smile more often!
I smile a lot and it has lots of benefits. Firstly, it’s like a secret weapon for getting people to agree to your requests. There’s been so many times when I’ve smiled whilst making a polite request and it’s actually worked!
Secondly, smiling makes you come across more approachable. People are more likely to talk to you openly if you have a smiley face. No one likes to approach someone who’s always grumpy. They look like they might bite!
Thirdly, if your job includes lots of interaction with users, smiling helps them become comfortable around you. This way, they are more likely to speak their mind rather than feeling reluctant to express themselves.
Just make sure that your smiles are natural though. Fake smiling is so obvious and doesn’t have the same benefits. By the way there are so many more benefits of smiling but I’ll just stop there. I’ll let you do some exploring on Google if you want to know more.
