How do I adapt to workplace culture?

Adapting to workplace culture just takes a bit of time and awareness. It’s less about doing more, and more about noticing how people around you communicate and behave.

Try to speak up a little more, even if you’re not fully sure, and also spend some time building simple relationships. Small conversations actually go a long way.

You don’t need to change who you are. Just adjust how you show up in this environment.

Honestly, adapting to workplace culture isn’t really about how good you are at your job. It’s more about how people feel around you. When I first moved, the work itself was fine, but I kept second guessing how I should act. Am I too quiet, too direct, should I speak up more?

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What I realised over time is that every workplace has its own way of doing things, and no one really explains it to you. In New Zealand for example, people value being humble. If you come across too strong, it can put people off. But if you stay too quiet, people might think you’re not contributing. So you kind of have to find that balance.

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Relationships also matter more than you’d expect. It’s not just about doing your work well. Small things like chatting, joining lunch, just being around people actually make a big difference. I used to avoid that, but once I started showing up more, things got easier.

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I think the biggest shift is just accepting that you’re learning a new environment. You’re not changing who you are, you’re just adjusting how you show up in a different system.

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If you want, tell me what part feels the most uncomfortable for you right now. I’m happy to help you think it through.