Have you recently accepted your first job offer working in an office environment? Congrats! Here are three tips to help you transition into your first in-office role.
Make an Intentional Effort to Move Around
Most non-office jobs require you to spend a lot of time on your feet. But when you move to an office, you’ll likely spend the vast majority of your day sitting at a desk. This can feel great at first, but before you know it, you could start experiencing physical and mental effects. Lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even depression are just a few of the risks associated with desk jobs.
Counter this by finding creative ways to get your steps in. Pace the floor while you’re on the phone. Park further from the building. Walk down the hall to talk to your coworker instead of sending an email. Get a stand-up desk. And consider setting reminders on your phone to get up and stretch at least once per hour.
Make Your Office Space Feel Comfortable
One of the biggest shocks that many people experience when moving to an office job is just how sterile an office environment can be. If you’re used to being out on a logistics or warehouse floor or waiting tables at a restaurant, you probably aren’t prepared for cold expanses of white paint and lonely cubicles. Ask your boss how much personalization you’re allowed to do. At a minimum, try putting some favorite photos on your desk and perhaps bring a blanket if you get chilly.
Get to Know Your Coworkers
Most jobs that aren’t done in an office involve a lot of face-to-face interactions with coworkers and customers. But in office work, you’ll handle a lot of those interactions online or over the phone. If you’re a people person, you’ll need to work harder to get in your daily personal interactions. Work on your soft skills.
Fortunately, you can lean on your coworkers. Get involved in group activities, such as Friday afternoon happy hours or volunteer service. Practice getting yourself excited and motivated for the day…. have a good attitude. Don’t be afraid to invite people to lunch or to spend a few minutes chatting around the water cooler. Your coworkers may be just as lonely as you are.
Ready for a new job?
If you’re ready for your next role, start searching for a new job with SURESTAFF today! We can help you find logistics, warehouse, and manufacturing jobs in Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Wisconsin.
