Cori’s Career Corner

Changes in the workplace: no more 9-5

For decades, the standard workday in the United States was generally considered to be 9 am to 5 pm—but for some years now that standard has been changing. With the advent of technology that blurs the limits of home and work, more and more people are working nonstandard hours both in and out of the office. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about 30 percent of the population works a standard eight-hour day. Increasing numbers of employers accommodate alternative work schedules; the supply of skilled workers in some fields is shrinking (leading to greater options for employees); and overseas organizations conduct their business on an international clock, which can mean unconventional work hours for employees based in the U.S.

With more employees working out of the office, companies can save on office space—an appealing option for many administrators. In order to manage remote workers effectively, many companies are now creating new, more flexible systems of supervision. This trend can be very helpful for job-seekers interested in negotiating a non-standard work schedule. Insider research may be very helpful in shaping your points for negotiation, so plan for that if you can!

New Job Checklist

If you are starting a new job soon, here are a few things to remember for success in your new endeavor:

Learn about your new office and how it works. What are the systems? How are problems addressed? How proactive is the organization? How do people communicate? What are the formal and informal standards of behavior?
Learn what is in place, and then start to create new systems. Take the time to really settle in and then make your contributions.
Be part of the team. It is important that you fit in and be perceived as a partner.
Talk to your peers and get their view of operations. Compare that to your supervisor’s perspective, and be sure to identify differences and decide carefully how to proceed.
Set up a regular time for communication with your supervisor when you start. It is easier to make course adjustments this way and ensure you learn to fit into the culture correctly.
Figure out what your supervisor wants and how to best fit his or her needs. If s/he prefers written communication to an in-person update (or vice-versa), knowing that will help build your relationship from the start.
As you identify problems or challenges, also consider, create, and propose solutions.
Stay positive. Most workplaces have some imperfections, but as a new member of the organization, you need to keep a grounded, positive approach.