Tips for the Workplace

First Year on the Job

• Demonstrate willingness to learn
• Admit what you do not know
• Make a special effort to learn the corporate culture
• Understand the performance goals of your job
• Pay close attention to dress code
• Work toward the goals that will make the organization successful
• Respond to your employer as a valued customer, not a caretaker

Reduce Workplace Stress

• Begin each day by reviewing work priorities for the day
• Clarify with your manager/supervisor the priority of assigned work
• Find a few minutes for yourself during the work day to re-energize
• Recognize co-workers for their contributions to getting the work done
• Improve conflict resolution skills
• Keep your job in perspective as only part of your life
• Get some rest. Sleep deprivation negatively affects our work and increases stress

Negotiate a Raise

• Make an appointment with the appropriate manager
• Take documentation of your work and its impact on the organization
• Communicate to your manager how you reached your goals and how those goals contributed to the monetary goals of the organization
• Research the salaries being paid to individuals who have similar responsibilities and successes
• Highlight your professional development, company contributions and unsolicited praise from clients, higher-ups and co-workers
• Prepare to negotiate the amount of the raise
• Nail down the specific dollar amount of the raise before leaving the meeting