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Back at work
When you’re first offered a job, enjoy the moment, but before you accept you should confirm:
What your job involves
If you haven't already got one, ask for a written position description. Some workplaces may not have written position descriptions and instead your pay and conditions may be included in a letter of offer. Even for a very casual role, try to get something in writing so that both you and your employer understand what's expected. This will help minimise misunderstandings and disputes along the way.
Your wages and conditions
Ask the employer what your total pre-tax (gross) and after tax (net) pay is likely to be and what expectations they might have about you working additional hours and payment or conditions for any overtime.
Check with Centrelink how your wages might impact on any income support you currently receive and use the ways2work Calculator to see your financial position more clearly.
You might also have a conversation about any flexibility you may need to accommodate your family responsibilities. See the Negotiating flexibility at work section for information and advice on how to approach this.
Re-adapting to the workplace
Many parents and carers report feeling rusty when returning to the world of work – even if it’s only after a fairly short break. Here are some tips to help you settle back into work.
What makes a good employee?
Generally, employers will expect you to:
- Arrive on time and call them as soon as possible if you are running late
- Give them as much notice as possible about requests for leave and other flexibility you may require
- Be honest and reliable
- Work diligently, meet deadlines and care about the quality of your work
- Follow directions and show initiative
- Recognise problems, seek solutions and ask for help when you need it
- Be a team player, communicate well and get along with people, especially customers
- Be cooperative, have a positive attitude and dress appropriately
What to wear
- Ask whether there is a formal dress code or any occupational health and safety considerations that may affect what you wear
- If not, take note of what other people are wearing at the workplace
- In workplaces where casual dress is worn, your clothes and shoes should still be neat and clean and in good condition
- Your aim should be to project a professional, competent image, regardless of your occupation or level of responsibility
Tips for your first days back at work
Some employers will provide a formal training and orientation program for you while others may just show you to your work area, introduce you to your workmates and give a brief explanation of your tasks.
First impressions count, so:
- Be friendly and have a positive attitude
- Listen more than talk
- Go to induction sessions and read any induction documents you are given
- Take notes, especially of people's names
- Show initiative but ask questions and ask for help when you need it
- Avoid becoming involved in gossip and office politics
- Relax, keep an open mind and be yourself
Finding support at work
Support will make all the difference to how quickly and successfully you settle in. Depending on the size of the organisation you’re joining, you could seek support from:
HR staff
In larger organisations, the People or Human Resources (HR) department is often your first point of contact for help with any issues you may be having with your employment.
Your immediate manager or supervisor
This is probably the most crucial person in your work life and the one who will be involved with you from day one. They will have involvement in your on-the-job training and provide you with guidance and support.
Your co-workers
Your work colleagues may be involved with your on-the-job training and will be your main source of information about the unwritten rules at work. Co-workers can also become your friends and mentors and offer you positive reassurance and acceptance.
Specialist training staff
In larger organisations and in certain industries, dedicated training staff may provide on-the-job training and support. They will assess your training needs and deliver training to you on such things as compliance, technology or product information.
Unions
A union can protect you from unfair treatment in the workplace and improve your job security and safety. To find out which union represents you contact Unions Australia.
Senior management
If you are in a small business or organisation there may only be one level of management. In larger places, talking to senior managers can be valuable for providing the ‘big picture’ context for the job you’re doing.