New employees should be active about slotting into their new
workplace, rather than relying on the organisation's
management to help them fit in, new research has found.
Co-owner of human resources consultancy group OPRA Sarah
Burke researched how newcomers could shape their socialising
experience in the workplace, as part of her PhD at Victoria
University.
Dr Burke tracked 526 graduates and seasoned employees from
private and public sector organisations, looking at their
work experience history, interest in a job, their personality
and the relationship they had with their team and manager.
"Results indicate that all these factors had an impact on how
well new employees slotted into an organisation, how well
they performed and, ultimately, their commitment to stay," Dr
Burke said.
Employees who worked to fit in could be more competitive, and
help their organisation get ahead, she found.
New employees who expected to be successful would integrate
into their organisation faster and more effectively than
those who didn't, but they could also be trained to be more
proactive and self-starting, Dr Burke found.
"Rather than passively waiting for opportunities or
information, the proactive employee will gather information
about their workgroup, tasks, and the organisation to help
themselves succeed."
