Starting a new job or transitioning to a new role can be an exciting time filled with opportunities for growth and development. However, it can also bring added stress. This article offers tips on how to take care of yourself during the onboarding phase.
Managing Information Overload
The blend of excitement, social anxiety, and countless details to remember – Where’s my desk again? What’s that colleague’s name? The first days and weeks of a new job can feel overwhelming and disorienting.
Prioritizing your well-being during the onboarding process is crucial. By using strategies to help you settle in smoothly, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy and make the most of your new opportunity.
The following ideas may be helpful:
Take breaks
With so much information to absorb, and a desire to make a good impression as a “fast learner,” you might feel tempted to spend your lunch breaks reviewing onboarding materials or using your off-time to explore the company’s processes.
However, this can be a trap. Regular breaks are essential for allowing your brain to consolidate information and prevent overload and stress. By taking time to disconnect, you’ll actually be more productive and engaged. So, make sure to step out for that coffee or take a walk around the block when you need to recharge.
Discover the team’s dynamics
Teams develop their own unique dynamics and unspoken or explicit agreements about what is generally accepted and expected for working effectively together. These guidelines may be informal or even outlined in a shared team document.
Ask questions to gain insight into these dynamics, so you can understand the team’s working hours, communication etiquette, meeting norms, and core behavioral values early on.
Establish expectations
Having open discussions with your line manager during the early stages can be valuable for clarifying your deliverables and understanding their expectations for your role.
This approach will help you avoid taking on too much, prioritize where to focus your time and energy, and ultimately ensure that you deliver on what matters most.
Set boundaries early-on
Once you understand the team’s working dynamics and the reasonable expectations for your role, prioritize maintaining boundaries that are important to you and support a healthy work-life balance. For instance, be sure to stick to your agreed working hours.
Re-charge
In addition to taking regular breaks during your workday, remember the importance of maintaining a fulfilling life outside of work. Beyond resting for recovery, engage in activities that re-energize and “fill your cup.” This could involve visiting inspiring exhibitions or events, pursuing hobbies, or sticking to your favorite exercise routines.
Take it to coaching
Although your new role may feel all-consuming at first, it’s important to take a step back and consider the “bigger picture” of your overall well-being. If you need extra support during this adjustment period, don’t hesitate to reach out to your line manager or team members you feel comfortable with. And, of course, working with your coach can also be a valuable resource.