Workplace Culture: The First Thirty Days. Human Resources Essay Sample.

The first month of employment offers one with the opportunity to shape ones image and solidify a good first impression, an aspect that will contribute to success in the new job. Professionalism, workplace relationships, and identifying workplace culture are three of the most impactful ways to achieve this. Professionalism is related to a persons conduct in the workplace (Kondalkar, 2013). To be perceived as reliable, respectful, and competent requires a conscious awareness of ones behavior and how it is perceived by others. Consequently, it is not enough to show up every day, dressed appropriately and on time. Any behavior that can have a negative impact, such as lacking confidence or a lack of innovativeness affects ones future in the job. Additionally, behavior such as being unprepared for meetings can reflect a lack of dedication and unprofessionalism. Moreover, behavior that can be construed as innocent such as taking personal calls in the workplace can negatively affect ones future prospects as it can reflect the inability to separate personal and professional. Consequently, professionalism encompasses a broad range of behavior and requires one to be conscious of every aspect of their conduct in the workplace to identify aspects that promote or are detrimental.

Establishing workplace relationships is an important way of getting ahead. Effective workplace relationship allows one to achieve set goals. It requires one to have good interpersonal skills and recognize the importance of each role played by clients, internal and external colleagues. Recognition of everyones importance will inspire respect which is key in all relationships. It is also important to build trust and understanding. Teamwork is inevitable in all organizations. Having good workplace relationships enhances productive teamwork and is an asset to an organization (Kondalkar, 2013). There are pitfalls to avoid such as gossiping. For instance, although it might be tempting to talk about others, gossiping will only have adverse effects. It will also lead to distrust hence affecting future relationships.

Every organization has a workplace culture specific to it. Workplace culture refers to the personality of an organization. It is how things are done in organizations. It includes the beliefs, values, ethics, attitudes and behavior that define the organization (Kondalkar, 2013). Understanding an organizations culture is important in influencing ones success in the company. An organizations culture influences how its employees relate, the dress code and even the companys decor. Although it might be challenging to immediately identify the culture, being observant and keen can help one identify important aspects of the culture and avoid being perceived as a bad fit for the company. For instance, some companies may value integrity while others do not mind bending rules to achieve their goals. Understanding these aspects will ensure that ones portrays the right image. For instance, being highly honest and cautious in an organization that values results above all else may make one appear naive or not aggressive enough. Culture facilitates the development of professionalism in the organization (Kondalkar, 2013). Consequently, adopting the organizations culture is an integral component of being perceived as a professional by ones peers and superiors. Adapting the culture means thinking, feeling and perceiving work-related issues in alignment with the organizations culture. The first thirty days should, therefore, entail learning and adjusting to the corporate culture, building relationships with colleagues and clients and exuding professionalism. These three aspects, when observed, will positively influence a favorable first impression and pave way for a successful career in the organization.

References

Kondalkar, V. G. (2013). Organization effectiveness and change management. New Delhi, India: PHI Learning.