What To Do On Your First Day Of Work When You’re Left To Your Own Devices

Unsplash/Lukas Blazek

We’ve all been there — you get to your new office on the first day of work, shake hands with your team and then…you’re left alone with no tasks. It’s stress-inducing at the very least, but don’t fret. There are a number of things you can do beyond setting up your computer that are both productive and will keep you busy throughout your first eight hours. Here’s how to spend your first day when you’re not given any direction.

1. Request access to company-wide documents.

Most companies have documentation of rules, regulations and communication protocols. If data is central to your role, ask to view historical performance metrics and start diving into the numbers. Get your hands on any docs you’re allowed to see. And, if you notice that the office is missing something that you believe would be helpful for better internal communication, make a note to discuss it with your boss once you’re settled in.

2. Create a framework for your schedule.

Make a rough schedule for your first few days. Take in every meeting you have on the docket and prepare as much as you can for them. Hopefully, your new colleagues already have time with you on the books, but if they don’t, take the initiative to meet with them.

3. Prepare questions for your first few meetings.

Having questions on hand will help you in any situation, especially if they’re informed questions. They can be general about the company or highly specific to your role. It’ll make you appear prepared, interested and invested in your work and your new organization.

Flickr / Link Humans

4. Soak up the office culture.

Pay heavy attention to how your coworkers and boss are speaking to one another. If you can, gauge how decisions are made and how roadblocks are handled. You’ll learn a lot about the company structure when it comes to how everyone speaks to each other. Also consider the tone of these conversations.

5. Get to know your team members without distracting them.

You’ll likely be introducing yourself to your team early on in your first day or in the first meeting you attend. Make an effort to get to know your colleagues. Ask about their general day-to-day tasks, or ask them to go on a coffee run or out lunch. If someone’s free and can show you around your new work home, that’s even better.

6. Maximize your lunch break.

You likely have a lunch break, and if anything, you have more room to take that full block of time on your first day since you’re new. Take the hour (or however much time you have) and tour the building and your floor. Test out the kitchen coffee and locate the bathrooms. If you have time, take a walk around the neighborhood and find some good lunch options.