Here are a few tips on helping you improve overall workplace productivity and make your work life as enjoyable as it is productive. This article is also for those who are starting a new job for the first time…

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1- Make sure your workplace is welcoming

Finding and maintaining an understanding workplace can be tough. While it may seem like a no-brainer that employees feel happier and more comfortable in a workplace that supports them as they move forward in their careers, it’s important to remember that you may not meet everyone face to face. You need to make sure that you prioritize reaching out to colleagues and getting a sense for whether your workplace is a welcoming one. Experience shows that 41% of employees feel good about a coworking environment while only 21% think they suffer from burnout. Knowing that you have a work environment that supports you is probably going to make you feel more prepared when you have to get to work and create a whole new schedule.

2- Schedule some routine tasks

Your new jobs can first take you by surprise, but over time you’ll come to realize that a schedule that works for you is a good idea. That being said, it is helpful to write down some tasks with the promise of being able to get things done in a certain order once you’ve actually grabbed your computer and set out to accomplish things. Research shows that power users work 30 minutes less per day than average when they use stretch, structured work-time every day. Use a schedule that makes it easy to get your work done, and making sure that you have regular jobs and prep work which you know you can rely on allows you to get through your job without a lot of stress.

3- Avoid redundant repetition

When it comes to tasks, prioritizing is key, but when it comes to numbers, crunchy math is best avoided. That sounds counter-intuitive, but it makes a ton of sense. Take a task that requires complexity, and if you really have to crunch numbers to make sure it gets done, then you will struggle with the next step. Context helps with focus and actually makes you feel more capable. Instead of hammering out tasks that aren’t as complex, be sure to take that next step and try to move the plate that is blocking you from your goal. Here are some ideas for what to avoid when it comes to doling out your repetitive chores.

4- Learn to delegate

This one is easy. A lot of times you will be working on more than one spendable project in one day. This is obviously okay, but you can prevent yourself from becoming exhausted by instead delegating the hard parts of them. If you’re crafting your trip to the grocery store, work collaboratively or with no one else where you can work with others to plan your trip. If you are in the field on your days off, discover how you can work collaboratively (or alone) to get the field done.

5- Meet new people and enjoy yourself

Some coworkers may not be the most regular and helpful people, but they still happen to be people who enjoy sharing their talents with you. Meet new coworkers and see if you can make them feel welcome. Attend meetups with coworkers or do some organized workplace networking with colleagues. You don’t have to be the best, but you don’t have to be playing second fiddle to them either. Optimize your productivity and put off other people’ work so you can focus on what you can be doing well.

6- Schedule social time

While it may be hard at first, getting to know your coworkers helps orient you in your job and helps you move along with it. Coordinating with your coworkers can be jarring at first, but other than wallowing in self-pity, you have to give them the benefit of the doubt. Consider setting up activities at your desk to take advantage of the extra space. Think of it like a staff “staff party.” It may be tough for people to prioritize their time with you and your needs, but if you’re brave (and work well with your coworkers’and generally listen to them), they won’t mind and they’ll know you want them to be a part of your life.

7- Don’t fall into the trap of a ‘co-worker curse”

If you’re dedicated to your job, you shouldn’t have a problem working with an abundance of other people. Retail managers receive millions of calls and texts, which puts them in a position where this becomes a regular, daily balancing act. Get to know all of your coworkers to help them feel included in this struggle.

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