In most companies, new hires will spend at least a few hours on their first day getting to know more about the company and its policies. Some companies even have a weeks-long onboarding process. Regardless of how seemingly minor or in-depth your new company’s onboarding process is, there are a few important factors that you need to know about immediately. These are some of the more pressing concerns that you should inquire about if you cannot easily find them in the employee handbook that you receive.
How to Handle Issues with Coworkers and Supervisors
One of the many tasks that your human resources department handles is workplace grievances. These may be related to sexual harassment, bullying and other serious issues. Some of these issues may develop as soon as you begin working in a new position. It is often best to address your concerns as soon as possible. While you understandably may not want to complain about a coworker or supervisor on your first day, you should be aware of rules regarding conduct and about the process for filing complaints.
The Proper Steps to Follow If You Are Injured at Work
You can be injured at any time while at work. Regardless of the position that you hold in the company, you can be seriously injured as soon as your first day. Most workplace manuals or handbooks specifically outline the steps that you should take when you are injured at work. In addition to understanding the required steps that you need to take to seek medical attention and to notify your employer about the issue, you also need to be aware of the availability of workers’ compensation. Even if your employer does not offer this type of compensation, you can always hire a workers’ compensation attorney to seek compensation that you may be entitled to.
How to Request Time Off
Many companies have a specific policy regarding how soon you can receive paid time off. You should be aware of this policy. You also need to know how to request vacation time or how to call in sick if you need to take an unplanned day off. It may also be helpful to read through your employee handbook to learn which holidays give you paid or unpaid time off.
When you start a new job, you need to give yourself plenty of time to learn the ropes and get up-to-speed. While it may take you several days or weeks to learn everything that you need to know to be productive in your new position, these are essential details that you may need to know as soon as possible.