Last updated on December 28th, 2022 at 09:21 am
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Congratulations on passing those tough job interviews and now, you need to focus on the next thing: what new employee essentials to bring to your first day of work.
Going to a new workplace setting can be intimidating because there are lots to think about like…
- What to wear
- How to make a good first impression
- Finding out about their workplace traditions
- Meeting new colleagues
When you’re starting a new job, there are a lot of things out of your control.
What you CAN control is being prepared as much as possible.
Bring practical and personal stuff to make your first day at work more comforting. It also makes this foreign environment feel more like home.
This is a general overview of what you should bring on your 1st day of work (but you might not need every single thing on this checklist depending on your company).
New Employee Essentials Checklist #1 – Phone Charger
As we all know, we probably shouldn’t be on our phones while at work, but let’s be real. Throughout the day, we’re all on it at least a few times.
Even if you can go 8-9 hours without your device at work, you’ll spend time on it during your commute and breaks.
We live in a world where we’re basically on our phones 24/7.
If it dies during the day, it can make us anxious.
What if you need your phone for an emergency?
Or what if you want to text your friend about something funny that happened today?
You can’t do any of those things if your phone has no battery left.
By bringing a charger to work, you can charge your phone during office hours.
If you feel uncomfortable charging your phone at your desk, bring a portable charger.
I get it.
After all, you’re still a newbie and charging your phone on your desk doesn’t leave the best impression.
By using a portable charger, you can charge your phone inside your bag without anyone knowing. It’s a discreet and guaranteed way to make sure your device has enough battery juice for the day.
Of course, you have to remember to charge your portable charger the night before or else it won’t be of much help.
2) Earphones
At many office jobs, it’s a good idea to have earphones.
For example, you might need to attend meetings and the conference rooms are booked up.
So you have no choice except to be at your desk.
Without earphones, you can only put the volume all the way to hear people talk at the meeting.
Your coworkers are NOT going to be pleased. They might not need to hear what’s going on AND you’re distracting them from their work.
Earphones also come in handy when you need to concentrate on something. There are many offices that are designed to be open spaces.
It can get pretty noisy.
People are talking to each other in loud voices. Sound travels so it can very much affect your concentration.
There might also be some slower days (although probably not right away at your new job) and that’s when you can listen to Youtube or Spotify.
3) Notebook
On your first day, you are likely to be bombarded with a lot of new information. You might even be overwhelmed.
That’s why you need a notebook to write things down.
Writing down notes will not only make you seem diligent, but it is something you can refer back to in the future.
You might think you’ll remember everything they say but you won’t.
Companies usually provide a notebook to new staff but I personally like bringing my own.
The ones at work are always so basic-looking. By bringing your own cute stationery, you can show off a bit of your personality.
People might comment how they like your things and bam! A conversation starter right there with a new coworker.
4) Agenda
Although you might not have firm deadlines right off the bat, the time will come.
Having an agenda might seem very high school but it’s truly an efficient way to be more organized.
Write down any important dates, future meetings, and company events.
You might be able to get away with forgetting a few important dates as a new employee but it’s not going to leave a very good impression.
Regularly using your agenda will allow you to have a clear idea of what’s going on with the company calendar.
Some people might prefer using an e-calender but personally, I prefer a hardcopy agenda.
It gives you time to rest your eyes from the computer for a bit (an important tip for those who’ve gotten LASIK and need to be careful with their screen time).
If you prefer an online planner, sign up for my FREE daily planner. It will keep you organized and impress your employers!
5) Pens, Pencils, Led, Highlighters, Erasers
This one is pretty self-explanatory so I’m going to keep this short.
You’re going to need writing utensils to jot down details. It’s great if you have a notebook and agenda but if you don’t have a pen with you, then what’s the point?
It’s also very likely that you’ll have to fill out forms.
Your new employer will provide stationery for you but again, it comes down to personal preferences.
The new company might not have the stationery you want like a variety of coloured pens or multiple highlighters.
If you’re picky about your stationery, it’s best to bring your own.
New Employee Essentials Checklist #6 – Folders
When you’re setting into your new job, chances are, there are a lot of documents you need to read over and sign.
You’ll be collecting paperwork left and right so organize yourself by using folders.
Sometimes, you need to find something urgently. By using folders, you can quickly find the documents you need. Or else there would be loose paper all over the place.
There would be a higher chance of misplacing important documents.
A folder helps keep everything together.
7) Insulated Water Bottle
Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Better yet, bring an insulated bottle.
An insulated bottle can keep your beverage of choice cold or hot for hours.
When you’re at your desk for a long time, you can be so concentrated on something you forget to hydrate yourself.
Seeing your bottle close by throughout the day will be a self-care reminder to drink more liquid.
Filling up your water bottle throughout the day will also give you quick breaks. It’s another way to get to know your new colleagues better.
8) Tissue Box
These are convenient to have beside you if you accidentally spilled something (I’ve definitely done this a few times) or need to blow your nose.
People will often take some tissues from your desk without asking so think about hiding them inside a drawer before you leave for the day.
9) Shawl/Sweater
Don’t you find that offices are always cold? Even during the Christmas season when it’s chilly outside already.
Seriously. What is with that?!
Keep a shawl or scarf by your desk. You can wrap it around yourself when you’re feeling cold.
If the temperature is too cold, it’s going to affect your productivity.
How can you do your job properly if you’re too cold to concentrate?
And you’re still on probation so you’re going to have to work extra hard those first few months.
If you’re the type to care a lot about matching outfits, it’s best to use a classic colour like black. It would go with everything and you don’t have to think twice about it.
If you don’t own a shawl, you can always swing by some affordable clothing stores to buy one.
10) Work Shoes
Some people prefer wearing one pair of shoes during their commute and then switch to their work shoes when they get to the office.
I’m exactly this type.
Your work shoes might be comfortable. It might even be some luxurious designer shoe from Vestiaire Collective but nothing beats a pair of comfortable sneakers.
Also, depending on when you work, the weather can be an issue. You can ruin your work shoes easily if you’re wearing them out in the snow all the time.
Some offices even have a rule about not being allowed to wear your snow boots indoors. So that does kinda force you to keep a pair of work shoes by your desk.
11) Photos
When you’re dealing with a bad mood, having photos of a loved one will help you cope better.
It can also be a conversation starter when colleagues come by your desk.
Bring photos of a loved one to liven up the atmosphere.
New Employee Essentials Checklist #12 – Food
You should probably be slightly familiar with your new work area by now.
Does Google show any restaurants or convenience stores nearby?
If there aren’t a lot of options, you’re probably going to have to bring your homecooked food.
Even if there are a lot of delicious restaurants within walking distance, eating out doesn’t help with cutting out unnecessary expenses.
It doesn’t hurt to keep some extra snacks by your desk.
You might get hungry in the late afternoon or didn’t get a chance to eat because you were in meetings all day.
Have some extra food nearby (especially if you’re a picky eater) but don’t go overboard.
Since they’re easily accessible, you’ll likely find yourself constantly eating.
Final Thoughts – New Employee Essentials Checklist
Be prepared for your new job by bringing all these new employee essentials.
Workplaces can often be seen as cold.
On your first day, the necessities should be mostly set up already but by bringing your own things, you can show off your personality!
That way, your new colleagues can learn more about you. You’ll be surprised how much you learn about a person by the things they have on their desk.
Besides, you spend 40+ hours a week by your desk.
In other words, this small space is a second home.
Bringing things to make you more comfortable during the many hours you will be there will feel so much better.
Now to you – New Employee Essentials Checklist
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Xoxo,
Nicole