Beginning a new job is always exciting, especially if you are taking your first step towards your dream career after university. However it can also be daunting. For the new employee with disability the first few weeks will be a time of adjustment, where you figure out whether the workplace modifications you have made are appropriate and devise strategies to overcome any minor obstacles you encounter.
Any necessary adjustments should be made prior to commencing work, or soon after. Below are some hints to get you through the first few months.
Dealing With Nerves
- It is normal to feel nervous as well as excited, as there is a lot to take in, but you probably already have many of the skills needed to settle into the workplace from your university and life experience of disability.
- Confirm your start day and time with your employer, and ask where the best place to park your car will be.
- It is a good idea to do a ‘trial run’ investigating factors like transport and parking so that you will not be late and rushing on your first day.
- Remember, work is very different to university life, but you will settle in with time – just like you settled into study.
Your First Day
Arrive on time.
Smile and be polite to everyone.
Be prepared for people to offer you assistance, and be polite whether you are accepting or declining their offer. People like to help a new person, and you may even have a staff member assigned to help you settle in and find your way around. This may be a standard practice whether you have a disability or not.
If you have a visible disability, this is the time to let your colleagues know what, if anything they can help you with. It is also time to deal with ‘what happened to you’ type of questions.
Your First Week
- Ask about everything and make notes of the answers. Remember, people will be more willing to help a ‘newbie’ settle in when you start, rather than four months later. Asking how the photocopier works, for example, is a great icebreaker for meeting colleagues.
- Write a seating plan with people’s names.
- Use peoples’ names immediately so you remember them. It will help them feel more comfortable with you.
- Make a time to meet with your supervisor to go over your role and their expectations, and to discuss if you need further adjustments or support.
- If you have a carer accompanying or visiting you in the workplace, think about how you will introduce them to the work environment and your colleagues.
Adapting to Work Routines
- Starting anything new is tiring, and sometimes frustrating. If this is your first job, you will be dealing not only with new tasks, but a whole new world of experiences such as staff meetings and dealing with colleagues.
- Stick it out, and after a few months it will become routine. Keep focussed on the positives, and reward yourself along the way. Perhaps treat yourself to a meal out or a movie to celebrate milestones such as the end of your first week.
- You may wish to consider easing into work gradually, for example starting just a few days a week and building up to full-time.
- Make sure you get enough sleep and adequate food.