Starting your first job is more than learning how to do the work. In fact, one of the biggest adjustments is understanding how things are done in your new company, including formal expectations and informal ways of working. This forms a large part of office culture – things that are not always documented but are nonetheless important.
For professionals entering work in South Africa, paying attention to how people work, interact, and carry themselves in the workplace – whether in person or online – can help you fit in and avoid early challenges.
1. Observe Before You Act
Every workplace has its way of doing things. Some are formal, others are more relaxed. It’s not always easy to know this upfront. That’s why it helps to spend your first few days watching how others behave – how they greet each other, how they dress, how meetings are run, and how people talk to managers, colleagues or clients.
Notice the small details – who speaks first in meetings, how people respond to emails or messages, and when the typical tea or coffee run occurs. These habits give clues about the workplace culture and can help you find your footing early in your first job.
2. Be On Time and Prepared
In many of our South African cities and towns, public transport can be unreliable. As a result, office workers can arrive a few minutes early or late. Some employers understand this. What matters is how you manage it – consistent lateness without explanation can still be seen as disorganised or disinterested.
Plan ahead where possible. Let your manager know if you're going to be late. Write down your tasks and use a calendar or phone reminders to stay on top of your day. These habits build trust and show that you take your first job seriously.
3. Clear and Professional Communication
Most workplaces value clear and professional communication. This includes being polite, listening when others talk, and keeping your emails and messages on the formal side – even if the environment feels casual.
Developing strong communication habits early in your first job can make daily interactions smoother and help build your reputation as someone reliable and respectful.
Avoid slang, emojis, or shorthand in work emails. Start with a greeting, keep your message short and to the point, and close it professionally.
4. Dress Appropriately for the Environment
Different companies have different dress codes. If you're not sure what is expected, look around and match what your colleagues are wearing. If you’re working remotely, how you present yourself in video meetings still matters.
Choose neat, clean clothing that fits the tone of your office. If in doubt, slightly smarter is better than too casual – especially in your first job, where first impressions can carry weight.
5. Be Mindful of Noise and Personal Space
Workplaces often involve shared spaces. Talking loudly on your phone or an untidy workspace can impact others and be seen as disrespectful. The same goes for your work surroundings in your home office.
Keep your voice low, clean up after yourself, present a professional home office, and ask before using someone else’s space or equipment.
Being aware of how your actions affect others is part of becoming dependable in your first job.
6. Don’t Overshare Too Soon
Building relationships at work takes time. While it’s good to be friendly, avoid sharing too much personal information too soon or at all. Give yourself time to understand the workplace culture and what is appropriate to share or not to share.
Be polite and sociable, but keep the focus on work. Friendships will grow naturally over time.
7. Learn to Give and Receive Feedback
Feedback is part of working life. Sometimes it’s positive, and other times it highlights areas for improvement. It’s normal to feel defensive or upset over even constructive criticism, but learning to accept feedback calmly and apply advice given is part of becoming a professional.
If you’re unsure about the feedback, ask for specific examples or suggestions on how to improve. Try not to take it personally – it’s meant to help you grow.
Office culture isn’t something you master in a day. It’s something you learn by watching, listening, and adjusting. Etiquette in the workplace is less about following strict rules and more about showing consideration, being dependable, and understanding your environment.
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