How to Overcome the Challenges of Being the Youngest Employee

All new employees are bombarded with information, learning the company’s mission, vision, and values, along with the nuances of their role. But new, young employees also often feel excluded, unheard and disconnected. This can discourage newcomers from developing workplace relationships, one key reason for early turnover. In fact, about 20% of new hires quit within their first 45 days on the job.

Fighting to prove oneself in a less-than-welcoming workplace is only the external side of the battle young new hires face. There’s also the internal battle, known as imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is when someone experiences feelings of self-doubt, fraudulence, or insecurity with themselves. People dealing with imposter syndrome find it hard to believe that their success is derived from their own efforts and skills, making them feel undeserving of their role.

Perhaps you’re in this situation now or know someone who is. By making small changes, it’s possible to create an overall better experience at work.

6 Tips for Making a Positive Impact at Your New Job

Entering the workforce and joining an unfamiliar company is hard. Being the youngest person there can sometimes add to the difficulty. But there are ways to be heard and stand up for yourself as you make your mark in the business world.

1. Observe – Take some time to observe the workplace dynamic. How do others interact? How do they communicate? Learn more about your company as well. What are the values? What are the challenges? Think about how you can contribute and make a difference.
2. Fight your Imposter Syndrome – Imposter syndrome is fed by your own thoughts. Strive to change the way you speak to yourself; push out the negative thoughts and ridiculously high standards. You got the job for a reason; if you weren’t qualified, you wouldn’t have been hired. Try to keep track of the successes that led you to this point.
3. Find Common Ground and Ways to Relate – You might not understand every joke your coworkers make and vice versa, but that doesn’t mean you’re polar opposites. You could have similar hobbies, interests, or lives outside of work. When getting to know your coworkers, connect to them in ways they are most comfortable.
4. Ask Questions and Expand your Skills – You aren’t expected to be perfect or replicas of your coworkers that have years of experience. Take this time to engage; learn from them and ask questions. If you’re given feedback or criticism, use it as an opportunity to grow and improve, rather than viewing it negatively. A drive to learn will earn respect from your colleagues.
5. Be Assertive – Make sure your colleagues take you and your word seriously. Be confident in yourself, while keeping other’s thoughts and feelings in mind. If you’re not receiving the same respect in return, speak up about that too. Assertiveness means you’re accepting of another’s opinion, and confident in your own.
6. Be Trustworthy – If you notice that you’re being talked over or not listened to, address the issue privately, respectfully, and directly with that person. Keep it just between the two of you. Yes, if the situation is bad enough you might want to involve your boss or HR, but first, give the other person the benefit of the doubt. They might not even realize what they’re doing and will appreciate your discretion.

Work towards expanding your skills when you register for: Building Confidence & Assertiveness Skills at Work.

Remember your worth and why you were hired. Besides being qualified for the job, you bring fresh ideas to the table. You have insight into current trends and how younger generations connect to one another, which adds to your value.

Can you stop all gentle ribbing about your age? Probably not. But, by addressing repeat offensive behavior or words that cross the line and adopting other small changes, you can establish where your boundary is between good-natured teasing and insults.