by Maria Papadopoulou

Created on: August 08, 2011   Last Updated: August 09, 2011

Most of the times, a new colleague feels like a fish out of the water. He doesn't know anybody, so he doesn't know how he should act. If he also doesn't know what the job is all about he will feel even more uncomfortable. Whatever the case, it is important to learn how to warm up a new colleague, so as to make him feel better.

How to warm up to a new colleague

Talk to him about something trivial

Going over to a new colleague and talking to him about something trivial like the weather, something that you would discuss with any other colleague in the office will help him feel a part of the business family. At worst case, even if he doesn't say anything himself, he will at least crack a smile. Over time, he will start feeling comfortable and then he will start talking about the same trivial things himself.

Asking him to tell you about himself

Another thing you can do to warm up to a new colleague is to ask him to tell you a few things about himself, like where he is from, where he went to school, what are his hobbies. Try not to ask too many questions as this will be considered rude and also try not to insist on getting answers about questions that the new employee feels uncomfortable about. If you feel you have hit a nerve, quickly apologize and change the subject. Make sure that your questions to the new employee should be open ones, so that he will have the chance to really talk about himself instead of answering with a simple yes or no.

Offer help

Make sure that the new employee knows that he can can ask you any question he wants about the job, over and over again, until he fully understands what is going on.  When explaining things to him, try to keep it as simple as possible to avoid any confusion. If possible, give him some notes to study at home, at his own pace. If the new employee sees you as his mentor, he will definitely feel extremely comfortable with you.

Invite him to a social gathering

Inviting the new employee to a social gathering is another great way to warm up to him. Try something simple, like going for a cup of coffee or to the movies. Do not invite him to a big party of any other social gathering with too many people, because in all probability that will make him feel weird and uncomfortable. 

Warming up to a new colleague is a challenge that you can rise to, if you are patient and persistent enough. 

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