Resuming your first onsite job role? Here are basic things that I learned
I never imagined that I would work in an office someday. For many Gen Zs who earn hundreds of dollars from just working remotely, returning to a traditional work setting (where the conditions are sometimes less favourable) seems impossible.
However, after accepting an attractive onsite position, I knew that I had to adopt new strategies in order to excel in the traditional work environment.
The experience is quite different from chatting with your colleagues on Slack. 😄
In this post, I will share some of the valuable lessons I learned. You will find this useful if you ever find yourself moving from your home workspace into a physical office in an organisation.
It is advisable to visit a company's social media page(s) and website before sending out your application. One thing I do is to read their customers and workers’ reviews.
You don't want to end up in an organisation with a toxic work culture, or lose points during interviews. 😊
Also, once you have landed a new role in the company, do not hesitate to ask questions. Every organisation has their work culture. My office has dress rules for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Right now, I need to add more palazzo pants and classy tops to my wardrobe.
You'd need to enquire from your colleagues and supervisors what they want, their expectations and impending challenges.
Before resuming your new role, try researching what the previous person in the position did. This is not to criticise their work. Rather, doing this will help you understand the organisation's workflow, expectations, and challenges. If the last Editor-in-chief published 7 articles weekly, struggled with epileptic power supply, etc. you'd be able to learn from their experiences and make adjustments when needed.
By now, you know what to expect and improve. Write those innovative ideas down in order not to forget them. Then readjust them to match the organisation's goals as you progress.
After the initial introductions, make an effort to build a stronger relationship with your colleagues. Visit their offices, ask about their weekends, or grab lunch together. This is one of the most important steps to take as it will help you establish a connection with your team and create a sense of belonging.
Your office might look like something from a museum when you arrive. In order to stay productive and motivated (cos you need a lot of this), you will need to set up your workspace to match your needs and taste. Also, ensure that you have them install all the necessary tools and equipment needed to make your work easier. In some places, you might have to buy them yourself. Regardless, get your space and desk organised, so you can tackle your new tasks.
As someone who is used to communicating online, you may struggle to adjust to face-to-face interactions. Sometimes, I wish that life has emojis or slangs like FYI. But, not to worry. There are better ways to convey your thoughts effectively to your colleagues.
Make an effort to learn how to have face-to-face conversations. Walk into their cubicle and pretend like you are chatting on Slack.
Ask about their day. How the day's work is going. You might not be able to tell them that they are “the true MVPs” (Sorry, girl. Informal words are no-nos now). But you can tell them how amazing they are.
The whole idea is about keeping your language professional, practicing active listening, and being mindful of nonverbal cues.
Working in a traditional workplace can be challenging for some young people who are used to remote jobs, but there is always an avenue to learn and grow. If you find yourself in this category, try to understand the organisation's culture, build relationships with your colleagues, and build your communication skills. I assure you that you'd find it easier to cope in this new environment.
Remember to stay flexible, be open to learning, and most importantly, take care of yourself.
Happy new week! ❤️
Published 13 October 2025
