At Work

Students may be unsure of what is expected of them in the workplace. Help reinforce the expectations, most of which build on those expected at school.

Because the world of work is so new for high school students, they need to understand the norms and behaviours that are expected in the workplace. Frequently, they are the same norms and behaviours that are expected in school. Discussing them in the context of work may help students understand the point of some of the rules at school. Here are some suggested topics.

Appropriate clothing

What is appropriate clothing for the workplace? This will be determined by a number of factors, including safety, contact with the public and comfort. A uniform or safety equipment may be required and provided by the employer. However, it will probably be the student's responsibility to keep the uniform and equipment clean and tidy.

Arriving ready to work

Students should arrive at work ready and able to perform their duties. This means they should be sufficiently rested to concentrate on the job, to make decisions and to complete the tasks assigned to them. No one should be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Various industries (e.g. mining and construction) have ‘zero tolerance' for drugs and alcohol and may impose random tests at the workplace.

Attitude

It's important that everyone brings a positive attitude to work. Not only will this make work more enjoyable, but it should improve relations with other employees and the employer.

Harassment, discrimination and bullying

Everyone has the right to be safe from harassment, discrimination and bullying in the workplace, and each of us also have a responsibility to help prevent this from taking place. No one would enjoy being the target or victim of this type of behaviour. Remember that if anyone in the workplace is being subjected to harassment, discrimination or bullying, it's against the law and everyone has a responsibility to report this behaviour to the employer or to the appropriate person in the organisation. For more about harassment, discrimination and bullying click here.

Honesty

Stealing money or goods from any workplace is against the law. Dishonesty among employees could affect the business, and could lead to the loss of the individual's job or the jobs of workmates. Stealing could lead to criminal charges and could prevent a student from getting a positive employment reference, making it difficult to get new jobs in future. In some cases, students could be refused admission to a profession, like law or accounting because of a misjudgement at work.

Induction Sessions

Induction sessions are designed to explain the procedures and practices followed in the workplace. These courses are critical for safety in the workplace and may be mandatory under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. It's the employee's responsibility to take these courses seriously. An ability to understand and act upon the information given could be literally a matter of life or death.

Punctuality

The employer is required by law to pay employees for all of the hours they are at work. It's the employee's responsibility to be on time to start work at the appointed time for their shift and to complete the whole shift. Employees should also return to your work station on time after scheduled breaks. If an employee is delayed, it's their responsibility to let the employer know. Being late to work may affect the work of others in the organisation.

Safety

Safety in the workplace is the responsibility of all those who work there. Many worksites will have an induction course in which workplace procedures are explained. It's the employee's responsibility to understand and follow these procedures. A momentary lapse of safety awareness can result in an accident leading to serious injury or even death. For more on safety click here.

Social skills

At work students will be expected to interact with a wide range of people. These may include customers, both in person and on the phone, the employer and workmates.

It's important that students understand that they need to be polite and to treat other people the way they'd like to be treated. Encourage students to take their time to observe what's expected in the workplace, and adjust their behaviour accordingly.

Tools

Tools are designed to make tasks at work easier to perform. They may be dangerous if not handled correctly. Poorly maintained tools and equipment may also present a safety issue. It's the employer's responsibility to ensure that working conditions, including tools are used safely. It is the employee's responsibility to remain alert to safety issues, follw instructions and to bring to the employer's attention any problems with tools or equipment. to the employee also needs to store them correctly. If they have questions about how to properly handle and maintain a tool, they should ask their supervisor. Guessing can be dangerous.