How to Behave in the Workplace

How to Behave in the Workplace

· Men and women will commonly shake hands, especially in a business setting. Handshakes are firm. A limp handshake signifies a weak personality or character.

• Many companies have a probationary period. Most employees will work for 90 days. After 90 days, the employer can decide if the person is the right one for the job. Some companies offer benefits after the probationary period.
• Confrontation is a common part of communication. At work, a supervisor may discuss a problem directly with a worker and expect the worker to do the same.
• While confronting another person, people are polite. Confrontations are not meant to hurt feelings or provoke a fight.
• Many companies give employee reviews or evaluations. The purpose of these evaluations is to let employees know what they are doing well and how they can improve.
• In the workplace, people don’t usually talk about divorce, family problems, or financial problems.
• It is not customary to ask a person how much money they or their family make. This is especially true in the workplace.
• Men and women work as equals in all working environments. There is no division between gender in the workplace.
• In the U.S., if a family member works for an organization, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will get a job or have advantages over other employees.
• Most companies and organizations have a missions statement that lists the overall values, goals, and purpose of the organization.
• It is common for all employees to attend staff meetings. These meetings may be weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly. At staff meetings, it is a time of sharing of information, brainstorming, or catching up on company business.
• Some companies, depending on their size and authority structure, may have separate departmental meetings in addition to or instead of staff meetings.
• Punctuality is very important in the workplace.
• It is not considered disloyal to quit your job. However, it is common practice and expected that you give your employer two weeks notice before leaving. Sometimes, the employer may even want more time. By following this rule, an individual will usually leave the company or organization with good relations.
• Though it is normal for people to switch jobs, an employer can get frustrated if an employee leaves right after they get hired or right after they’ve completed training for the job. Depending on the professional, different amounts of time are expected for an employee to work there. For example, a fast food restaurant may not expect its workers to stay any longer than a couple of months. Employers in the medical profession, however, often ask employees to commit to at least a year of work when they are hired.

Safety in the Workplace

· Workplace safety is very important in the United States. Employers and employees must follow strict safety laws established by the government.

· The U.S. has an agency called OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). The mission of this agency is to save lives, prevent injuries and protect the health of America’s workers. OSHA employees work to make sure employers and employees are following strict safety standards.

· According to OSHA guidelines, an employer is responsible for the safety of the employee. She/he must train all employees and provide a safe working environment and can be held accountable for work-related accidents and injuries.

· According to OSHA guidelines, an employee is responsible for following all rules and regulations and can be held accountable for work-related accidents and injuries if they don’t follow the rules.

· If an employee feels they are working in an unsafe working environment and the employer isn’t following OSHA guidelines, he or she can file a complaint with OSHA.

· If an accident happens in the workplace, it is standard procedure to complete an accident report form. If the accident is severe, there may even be an investigation.

· Many companies post safety procedures around the workplace. If there is a rule posted, you can assume that it must be followed.