How New Employees Can Optimize Their Chances for Success

By George Waggott, founder and Roberto Fonseca-Velazquez, law student

George Waggott Law

An article recently published by McMaster University offers a research-based discussion of the steps which new employees should take to maximize their chances of success in their new workplace. Starting a new job can be intimidating. New employees often feel uncertain about workplace behaviour, company policies, and unwritten norms that are critical for success. The learning curve for new hires can be overwhelming, and many newcomers hesitate to ask questions for fear of appearing incompetent. The rise of remote work has compounded these challenges by reducing face-to-face interactions that have often traditionally helped employees understand organizational culture. As a result, many new hires feel isolated and unsure about how to navigate their new work environment.

An employee’s first six months, sometimes referred to as the socialization phase, are crucial. During the socialization phase, employers can determine how quickly employees adapt to their new workplace, their job satisfaction, and performance. An employee’s experience during their socialization phase can be decisive for their long-term prospects with their employer.

Proactivity: A Key to Success

Research shows supervisors play a key role in successful onboarding. In many workplaces, newcomers are left to figure things out on their own. Many new employees adopt a passive approach, doing only what they are explicitly told. However, studies reveal that supervisors expect proactive behavior from new employees, not passivity.

Proactivity means standing out rather than blending in. Supervisors value newcomers who challenge existing processes and contribute fresh perspectives. New employees can demonstrate proactivity in at least two ways: 1) proposing useful, feasible ideas; and 2) communicating their accomplishments.

Positive Responses from Supervisors: Suggest Simple Improvements

In a study of 325 employees and supervisors across industries, researchers found that supervisors responded positively to newcomers who suggested relevant and achievable improvements. Examples included using digital marketing to reach new customer segments or automating expense reimbursement processes. Supervisors were found to be likely to help implement these ideas and provide ongoing support to proactive employees.

Self-Promotion: Proceed Tactfully

Equally important is self-promotion. Though self-promotion may be seen as inappropriate self-aggrandizement in some contexts, it can be a valuable practice for new employees if they self-promote with tact. Supervisors have limited time and may overlook contributions unless employees actively highlight them. Successful newcomers treat each achievement, such as securing a client or completing a project early, as an opportunity to communicate their value to their employer. Employees can do this through email updates or, ideally, in-person conversations. Employees who engaged in idea generation and self-promotion were more likely to receive supervisor support and secure permanent positions.

Avoid Passivity

Conversely, passivity can harm career prospects. Supervisors often perceive passive employees as needing excessive guidance. Supervisors frequently respond to a perception that an employee is passive by taking more direct control over that employee’s work. This type of support results in poorer outcomes in employees’ socialization period, including lower performance, higher stress, and reduced job satisfaction. In short, when new employees fail to advocate for themselves and contribute ideas, they can end up in a cycle of dependency and disengagement.

Summary

The research suggests that newcomers should not fear standing out. By sharing actionable ideas and communicating their achievements, new employees can attract the right kind of support and set themselves up for success. While starting a new job can be daunting, adopting a proactive approach during the socialization phase can alleviate anxiety and significantly improve long-term outcomes.

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