New Job Jitters, Anyone?

Every new job arouses feelings of anxiety. But there are ways to deal with them.

A new workplace brings with it new challenges, and business gurus say that the best way to manage them is to absorb as much as possible. The first few days, which are vital for an employee to learn and imbibe job-related knowledge, can be charred by anxiety. One rash decision can steer your career off the right road. 

"For freshers and experienced professionals alike, beginning a new job is widely considered to be one of the top life-changing events. Starting on a new job has a way of significantly altering the day-to-day life. A different or new job not only means a new role, but also means other considerable changes — a different company, new people, a new manager and management style, a foreign culture, new schedules and different benefits package to adjust to. 

The changes can be exciting, but overwhelming nonetheless. Even the seemingly ‘small' aspects of starting a new job (the commute; when, where and who to have lunch with; finding the restrooms; etc) can cause anxiety," says Divakar Kaza – president, HR, Lupin Ltd. Many a times, the anxiety arises in case the work environment is not inclusive or positive enough to match the expectations of the employee. In addition to the above, Jayantika Dave, VP - HR, Ingersoll Rand International avers, "The cause of occurrence of this anxiety is due to the change in the work culture and environment of a new workplace that an employee is a witness to. 

After having worked in an organisation with a set work culture, and a particular office environment, would make an employee comfortable and used to it. However, on entering a new organisation, the employee needs to observe and adapt to the new culture and environment altogether." There are a number of reasons why you may feel fearful before you start in your new position. "If you have been out of work due to a layoff or some other reason, worry and self-doubt may overshadow your positive feelings about finally getting that new role. Maybe your skills are a little rusty or you are beginning to ‘second guess' your performance too," explains Desai.

Now that our experts have broken down the causes for this syndrome, let's find some solutions to the same. "Talent managers must create unambiguous job descriptions for all the jobs of the company. The HR managers thereafter must issue in writing to the employees and get an acknowledgement from each of them," says Ravish CK – director, Virtus HR Solutions Pvt Ltd, India. Focusing on making a good first impression in a new organisation, learning the rules of the new workplace, blending-in, etc are good ways to start on a new job. Lastly, looking at a new job as an opportunity to step up the learning curve and giving it the best shot will definitely do the trick. 

A few ways for employees to deal with feelings of anxiety without making any rash decisions:

• Refute your negative thoughts and start-off with a positive mindset;
• Begin with the mindset that whatever happens, you will give yourself at least six months of time before deciding on what to do further. By this time, you would have settled and gotten comfortable at the job;
• Talk to your new manager - Calling your new boss a week or two before your start date to find out what your boss wants you to accomplish on day one, week one and month one would help. The call also presents an opportunity for you to obtain materials that will help you ramp up in your new job;
• Create some goals within your workplace that you can shoot for, regardless of your anxiety.