If you work in an office, or from home….

[Newjobandscared]

Hey guys! 👋 NC for this one.

I’m starting a new job this morning, and it’s my first ever office/hybrid based role. I’ve built up my career in logistics and am starting a new role in tech within colleague engagement - decent level of responsibility, middle management. I’m very excited, it’s a dream role for me and I’m confident I’m able to do the job.

However I haven’t been able to sleep worrying about office politics and protocols. Very unlike me but I’m full of nerves 😬 I‘ve only ever worked on-site in warehouses/retail stores, and am suddenly conscious I’m going in at a more senior level and don’t want to make any obvious mistakes in a more professional setting.

So - if you work or have worked in an office or hybrid - what do you wish you knew before you started?

Posted on AIBU for the traffic but I suppose

YABU - not much of a difference between warehouses and offices, get on with it
YANBU - I’ll let you know my tips in the comments!

I've always worked in offices and I can't think of anything specific to an office that wouldn't apply to working with others generally, whatever the environment.

Different offices have different cultures too but it sounds like you've got a long enough work history to understand that and adapt. I think my only tip would be to stop overthinking it and good luck.

I’ve worked mainly in offices but also had some experience of sites/warehouses. The main difference is dress, offices are usually smarter than sites, even offices with sites. Language is the other main thing - so generally language at sites is worse.

However, each office has its own culture. You’ll work out what is the appropriate level of smart for your office. Most places I’ve worked have been the lower end of smart, so black trousers and a shirt/blouse (you can wear other colour trousers but most wear black). You’ll also work out what is acceptable with regards language over time. I would advise not swearing to begin with (can be quite hard coming from that background) and seeing what language people use.

There will be things like camera on/camera off that you’ll pick up as well. In my organisation we do camera for small calls, camera off unless speaking if in a webinar/bigger call. There might be politics, there might not, you can’t tell until a couple of weeks in there. I would probably check with your manager what the culture is like around extra hours (working through lunch) and then if you notice your team is working through, start modelling good behaviour to them.

I'd agree on language. Office is much less blokey! I know people in logistics who only wear company polo shirts which I don't think are office attire.

A few things I'd suggest:

-Don't ask personal questions of colleagues, stick to neutral topics at first
-Wait to find out why the business does something a certain way before telling people they need to change it
-In a shared office be mindful of other people and use basic manners (do you mind if I open the window?)
-Don't discuss other staff
-Be wary of too many jokes until you've sussed out the culture
-Take time to observe who likes who and importantly who hates who!

I'm sure you'll be fine, good luck with the job!

Thanks everyone! 😃

I'd suggest erring on the side of being too polite, using no bad language and minimal "banter" till you've had a couple weeks to suss out the general vibe of the place.

Some offices will be fairly relaxed, some pretty formal, it's easier to "loosen up" over time rather than start off as the inappropriate new hire and become "better behaved".