Congratulations on your new role. This is an exciting time and a great opportunity to learn and grow. You may be feeling a mixture of emotions right now, which is perfectly normal. Starting a new job is never easy. There’s so much to learn and remember, and it can be overwhelming trying to keep up with everyone else.
If you’re neurodiverse, that feeling can be amplified. One of the best pieces of advice we can give you is to be yourself. You are bringing valuable skills and perspectives to the workplace, and you can achieve a lot in any new role. Here are our top tips for neurodiverse workers when starting a new role.
Take things one step at a time
Starting a new job can be overwhelming, but it’s important to take things one step at a time. Focus on getting through each day, and don’t try to tackle everything at once.
Start by getting to know your co-workers and your work environment. Become familiar with your company’s policies and procedures. And take the time to learn your new job duties. It’s also important to ask questions when you’re not sure about something. Your co-workers and supervisors will appreciate your willingness to learn, and you’ll soon feel more comfortable in your new role. So take things one step at a time, and you’ll be off to a great start in your new job.
Establish routines and set boundaries
On the one hand, you’re embarking on a new adventure and expanding your skillset when you start a new job. But on the other hand, you’re also entering unknown territory and navigating uncharted waters.
One of the best ways to make the transition smoother is to establish routines and set boundaries from the start. Having a set schedule will help you to stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed. Having routines and boundaries in place will give you a solid foundation to build from and will bring structure to your day-to-day life, making it easier for you to stay on track. It’s also important to set boundaries with your manager and team so that you feel comfortable communicating your needs.
Start to build a support network
One of the most important things you can do when starting a new job is to build a strong support network. Get to know your manager and team. Take some time to get to know the people you’ll be working with on a day-to-day basis. This will help you feel more comfortable and relaxed in your new surroundings.
Who you speak to most may vary. This could be a colleague who you feel comfortable talking to about your challenges, or a manager who is understanding and willing to make reasonable adjustments. Having someone in your corner who gets it can make all the difference.
Focus on your strengths
Every single one of us has unique strengths and abilities that make us who we are. When starting a new job, it can be easy to focus on our weaknesses but try instead to focus on what you do best. This will help build your confidence and set you up for success in your new role.
Seek out opportunities for growth and development
A new job is the perfect time to focus on professional development. Talk to your manager about opportunities for training and development, or look into taking courses outside of work that could help you excel in your role.
Starting a new job is never easy, but it can be especially challenging if you’re neurodiverse. However, by following these tips, you can set yourself up for success in your new role. But don’t forget to take some time for yourself outside of work. Once you’ve settled into your new role, make sure to schedule some time into your week so that you can recharge and de-stress.
