What You Need to Know Before Working in an Office

Would you know how to act in your first office job?

This post is presented in partnership with Monash Business School.

While many of us probably have a few years of working under our belts, some have yet to venture into the scary realm of office environments.

Unlike retail and hospitality workplaces, where movement and face-to-face customer experience is essential, office spaces tend to have their own unspoken rules and structures that are never to be disrupted.

While shows like Mad Men and The Office can show how us to act (and more importantly, how not to act) in professional office environments, they're never going to tell you the nuances and rituals that are essentially commonplace no matter where you go.

Before you rock up to your first day at your new job, let us get you up to speed on how offices work, so you're not caught out by any surprises.

Dress like you mean it.

It's always tough to know how to dress for your first day on the job, but wearing the wrong thing can often make a questionable first impression.

Try your best to find out what the dress code is (you should get this in the interview), but when that's not possible, go with businesswear. It doesn't have to be the latest in haute fashion, just as long as it's neat and professional. It’s better to look like you run the business than you just woke up and put on the first clothes you saw.

Also, pro tip: Figure out your outfit the night before, so you don't make any rushed and sweaty decisions in the morning. Make sure that outfit has a cardigan or scarf because you don't know chill until you've faced the fury of an office's air conditioner.

Bring snacks for your inevitable 3:30itis.

'3:30itis' is absolutely real, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

So, what is it? It may not actually be a medical condition, but it is a phenomenon you'll feel after sitting in an office all day. Symptoms may include lethargy, and the strong urge to nap for the remainder of your work.

While the easiest antidote for this horrible occurrence is a tasty pick-me-up (like chocolate, coffee or a lolly), this is quite taxing on your health and may only help for 10 minutes or so.

Instead, it's best to replace a sugary snack for a fruit or something more nutritious like nuts, so you don't get a case of 4:30itis too.

Research your lunch options.

While some offices might be in a city where there is an abundance of food options, other times, you're just not going to be that lucky.

Researching your lunch options is a very important thing if you don't have someone to pack your meal every morning. Google the area around your new office and figure out if you have enough time during your breaks to walk to each place and return with that sweet food.

Or, start meal-prepping and packing your own lunch each day to save time and money. Most offices should have basic tea and coffee facilities, including a microwave.

Keep it cool and classy.

Want to arrive to work one minute late on your first day? Let's avoid that.

Want to play music out loud at your desk? You're going to annoy at least five people in the vicinity.

Want to say an edgy/borderline offensive joke three hours into your shift?

While it's certainly good to socialise with your colleagues and joke around, it's a good idea to keep anything racy or inappropriate completely out of the office space. Especially if you've only just met your workmates, no matter how similar you think they are to you.

Ready to take on the world, one office at a time? Prepare for the challenge at Monash Business School. 

Find out more about the courses that Monash Business School has on offer and learn about their flexible learning opportunities. With Monash Business School, you’ll graduate ready to stand out in a global marketplace.

Header Image: iStock.com/UberImages