Brits take two weeks to get over ‘first day nerves’ at work, study shows
BRITS take two weeks to push through “first day nerves” when starting a new job, according to research.
Rookie employees start feeling anxious eight days before they even begin their role.
A poll of 1,000 18 to 25-year-olds, commissioned by Cadbury, found their biggest fears were not being accepted by their new colleagues and not knowing what they’re doing.
Meanwhile, 30 per cent fear they won’t pick things up quickly enough.
TikTok emerged as the most useful social media platform young recruits turn to for advice.
If you’re looking to find a different job, September was deemed the month best suited for starting a new chapter, suggesting Gen Z are still in sync with the academic calendar.
The study revealed other worries for new starters include fears over ‘imposter syndrome’ (17 per cent) and that they’ll forget everyone’s name (11 per cent).
A quarter also fret that teams they’re joining may be so close-knit already it’s hard to join in with them.
The research also revealed the things that help to reduce first-day nerves include a welcoming team (48 per cent), respectful colleagues (40 per cent) and a fun atmosphere (30 per cent).
For 27 per cent, having a sympathetic boss that will listen to concerns is also important.
And 18 per cent want, even in the early days, trust that they will do their job well, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
Nearly two thirds (65 per cent) of respondents find new beginnings exciting, even though 59 per cent feel nervous either often or very often, in day-to-day life.
The research was conducted to celebrate the second year of Cadbury’s partnership with the Prince’s Trust.
Their collaboration will see inspirational stories from three ambassadors appear on 5,000 Dairy Milk bars to support those embarking on a fresh start this Autumn.
Christina Bland, from Mondelez, said: “As a small part of the work that Cadbury does with The Prince’s Trust, we wanted to launch these bars to showcase young ambassador success stories and offer words of encouragement to those starting out.
“We hope to raise awareness of the incredible support The Prince’s Trust provides, the charity’s amazing resources and to give people nationwide a generous way to lift the spirits of a young person this September.”
Tom Keer, director of partnerships at The Prince’s Trust said: “We help young people to fulfil their potential by building their confidence and essential life skills.
“These skills enable them to secure employment, set up their own business or get back into education.
“This collaboration with Cadbury enables us to reach out to young people across the UK who may not be feeling their most confident as they embark on a new start and remind them that help is always available.”
Cadbury’s new bars feature a QR code to find out how to access the trust’s services, refer a young person, or to donate, you can visit their website.