How to Be A Regular Employee in Your Dream Job with these 12 Tips

Congratulations on your latest job! As a new employee, your company may first put you under probation. But don't fret; JobStreet gives you tips on how to be a regular employee in the soonest time possible.

Regular Employee Benefits

Once you are regularized, you may enjoy many regular employee benefits depending on your company regulations. Here are some examples:

• Security of tenure
• Regular employee salary. In fact, the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) Handbook on Workers' Statutory Monetary Benefits expounds on the following mandates: minimum wage, holiday pay, overnight pay, night differential, maternity and paternity leaves and many others.
• Sick and vacation leaves
• Medical and dental benefits
• Other incentives such as free meals, use of company gym, retail discounts, etc.

What is probationary employment?

Most companies practice probationary employment for new hires. This is a trial period to help your employer see if you are the right fit for the job. However, this is also your chance to gauge if the role matches your skills and preferences.

Here are some important points about probationary employment stated in the Labor Code of the Philippines :

• The probationary period should only be a maximum of six months or 180 days. Nevertheless, this duration can still be cut down or extended if 1) the employer has legal reasons, and 2) the employee has agreed to the arrangement.
• Employers should inform new hires of regularization standards. These include how you and your work will be evaluated before you are regularized.
• Employers can dismiss probationary employees through a written notice even before the trial period. Still, the reason for termination should be covered by the following authorized causes:
  • • Serious misconduct or willful disobedience
    • Employees' frequent neglect of their duties
    • Fraud or a willful breach of trust
    • Act of a crime or offense
    • Other similar acts and behavior

How do I become a regular employee?

Making a great first impression goes a long way when you're a new employee. If you find your job compatible with your goals, then do your best to hold on to it. This means always churning out exceptional work, and being a dependable employee. Read the other ways you can convince your boss that you have what it takes to be part of their team.

1. Report to work on time or a little earlier.

Time is of the essence, especially when showing your reliability. Before your first day at work, study the routes going to your office. Allot time for traffic and emergencies. Also, sleep early the night before to ensure that you wake up on time. Aside from punctuality, your complete attendance during your probationary period is important. If you need to be absent, tell your supervisor ahead of time. Additionally, be ready with a valid excuse.

2. Dress like a professional.

Dressing the part doesn't stop with the job interview!

Being on probation doesn't mean you should dress differently from your regular counterparts. Study your workplace's dress code, and dress according to its standards. Make sure your ensemble"”including your shoes"” are neat, stain-free, and well-fitting. This way, you exude professionalism and respectability.

3. Be approachable.

First impressions last, so remember to smile and act friendly from the get-go. Display confidence and positivity in your way of speaking and body language. Remember though that you can't please everyone. If you encounter less-than-friendly colleagues, remain respectful and move on. Moreover, your approachability shows your strong potential for teamwork.

4. Be an active observant.

You're still feeling your way around a new environment, so use all your senses to better absorb it. Though some friendly chatter from you may be required at times, at this point, active listening is key. Observe how your co-workers interact and accomplish tasks. Also, it pays to closely watch your boss to gauge their personality and preferences. Take mental notes on company culture and workflow processes. By doing so, you can better accomplish tasks according to company standards.

5. Ask thoughtful questions.

Speak up when you have questions, clarifications, or concerns. This sends the message that you care about the quality of your work. However, be careful about asking the same questions over and over. This may be taken as a sign of your inattentiveness. That's why it's important to listen well to instructions and information shared by your co-workers. Also, don't hesitate to ask for help when operating office equipment or carrying out an unfamiliar task.

6. Own up to your mistakes.

Making mistakes is possible as you adjust to your new job. But it's more important to admit your mistakes and learn from them. Be honest; volunteer right away if you've made an error. Covering up your blunders not only leads to more blunders, it also tarnishes your reputation. Taking responsibility for misdeeds shows your sincerity and honesty.

7. Volunteer for tasks.

Highlight your initiative to learn by asking for additional work. But before you do this, make sure you've finished your main tasks. Promptly completing your work shows your boss your strong organization and time management skills. Meanwhile, offering your extra time and energy lets workmates know that you are a team player.

8. Be adaptable.

Sometimes, workplace reality may not meet your expectations. However, you should be able to quickly adapt to your new environment. Modify your preconceptions and adjust to the challenges. The office is made up of different and dynamic personalities whom you have to deal with. Address your personal biases, and keep an open mind. This way, you can thrive even on unfamiliar ground.

9. Keep on learning.

Six months may seem like a long time to be on probation. But time flies when you make good use of it. Learn as much as you can from your training, as well as from self-learning. Hone the skills and grow your knowledge to advance your career. Even outside work, you can study on your own to better understand the nature of your job. Having a proactive approach to your development sharpens your competencies. Also, it shows your passion for self-improvement.

10. Record your progress.

Track your activities and contributions to company growth. Then you can share these achievements during your evaluation. How to make sure that you're doing your job properly? First, know what is expected from you. Second, strive to meet these expectations in all your tasks. Lastly, get feedback from your co-workers and immediate supervisor.

11. Learn to collaborate.

Collaboration is an important tool in organizational work. Certainly, your individual tasks are important. But you should also see your work as part of a bigger picture that benefits the whole company. Practice collaboration even beyond work. Join your colleagues for lunch. Seek and lend support when necessary.

12. Practice self-care.

Being a probationary employee can get stressful. Try not to worry too much about what the future holds. Don't spend all your time wondering if you're impressing your boss enough. Giving into stress and anxiety will only affect your performance. Eat right, take breaks, and get enough sleep. Boost your energy through work-life balance

The bottom line for probationary employees: just do your best! Show up at work, and show people what you've got. In case things don't work out even after you've given your best, then maybe the job isn't the right one for you. Keep your chin up and move on to the next challenge. But if it does work out, then again, Congratulations!

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