Newcomer Blues

Are you feeling out of place in your workplace?  People pass your desk and give you the perfunctory hello, how are you and then move on to real conversation with people who have been there long before you? It happens to minorities and new immigrants of colour quite often in the workplace. I am not sure if this is because your mainstream co-workers do not like you or do not know how to approach you, what to say, what to ask? These days one can be charged with discrimination as a result of one slip up in question. Some newcomers do not like to be asked the proverbial question "where are you from?"  Some see this as a reminder that you are not from here, others see it as an assumption that because one is of colour one has to be an immigrant.
   There are blacks from Nova Scotia who have been here long before some white folks but they are still asked "so how do you like the winter?"  There is an assumption that white folks without observable accents belong.
    As a newcomer, you have to make an effort to get to know your co-workers. Relax, there are nice people everywhere and you have to find that safe harbour for yourself in the workplace. There is always a safe harbour - someone who will take you under their wings and show you the way but you have to be open and willing.

Five Tips to Integrate into the Workplace
- Be the first to say hello
- Make a point in going from office to office to get to know those with whom you work closely
- Offer to go for coffee with one or two of them
-  If there's a lunch room try to have your lunch with others are having their lunch so that you can listen to the conversation and get a better understanding of the workplace culture.
- Be curious, try to be open and willing to share some information about yourself or your culture with colleagues. Ask about their cultures as well. It is only by asking do we get the information we really want to get.