Six Easy Ways To Break Ice In New Office

One of the most important things about changing your job is the compulsion of getting adjusted to a new work environment. Most of us have inertia of starting new job because we do not know how to break the ice in office. So we choose to remain in our comfort zones even at the cost of making career compromises. You have to learn to make friends at your new office if you want your career to thrive.

If it is your first day at work in a new office, the initial jitters will be there. But once you know how to break the ice in office, you will fit in smoothly. Whether you take it slow or become an instant hit among your new colleagues depends upon your personality. But if you want to know how to break the ice in office on a new job, here are some basic guidelines.

OVERCOME DEPARTMENTAL POLITICS AT WORKPLACE

How To Break The Ice In Office | Make Friends At office | First Day At Work

Be Polite But Not Too Sweet
Working people are keenly suspicious of people who are overtly sweet. So never try to be sugary sweet with your new colleagues. Be nice, polite and approachable so that they take you a decent working professional and not someone who is desperate to please.

Observe First, Judge Later
An office has people from many walks of life. Every person is different and you cannot understand all the complications and under currents of relationships in your office in the first few days. Take a couple of weeks to observe your colleagues and their inter-personal relationships very keenly. Then come to any judgments about what you should do.

Be Funny, But Not Rude
Your sense of humour always comes to your aid when it comes making new friends at work. But what you find funny may be perceived as rude by someone. Always be careful not to offend anyone even if it is not intentional.

Be Careful With The Opposite Sex
It is always easier to befriend people of your opposite gender, especially for women. But start by making friends with people from your own gender so that you have covered the difficult ground first.

Be Good At Your Work
When you are the topper in the class, you will never have any dearth of friends. The same rule applies to office as well; if you are good at your work, you will naturally gain the respect of your teammates. Otherwise, you will become a liability for them.

Don't Try To Be Mr/Ms Popular
Most people do not like it when a newcomer becomes the talk of the office too soon. It will bring you unwanted attention from every quarter. So take it slow when it comes to becoming Mr/Ms Popular in office.

Here are some ground rules to break the ice in office and make friends with your new colleagues.

Story first published: Monday, April 7, 2014, 13:02 [IST]
Read more about: work life personality