How to be a Good EmployeeCandice BauerUniversity of Nevada, RenoCollege of Engineering

OverviewHuman ResourcesTransition PeriodAttendanceTimecardsAppearanceBossCo-WorkersSoft SkillsEmployee Rights

Human ResourcesFirst StopComplete employment paperworkTax forms (W4, state tax)Nondisclosure agreementsLearn about benefitsComplete payroll processLearn company policies

Human ResourcesWork Schedule and Lunch Period (Your supervisor might also provide this information) Payroll Period and Direct Deposit Information Paid Holidays, Sick Days, or Personal Days (How many and when are you eligible?) Vacation Days (How many and when are you eligible?)

Human ResourcesCompany Employment Policies such as use of electronic communications systems, conflict of interest, business travel, drug use and smoking, personal use of company resources, dress code, etc. Benefits (Life Insurance, Health, Disability, Accident, Savings Plan, Retirement Plan, and Tuition Reimbursement)

Transition Period (Learning Curve)If it was not provided, ask for a copy of your job description, so you can see in writing your duties and responsibilities. Learn the names and duties of everyone in your group. Ask to see an organizational chart of the department, so you can see how your group fits into the company structure.

Transition Period (Learning Curve)Learn the culture of the company - the mission and vision. Observe your co-workers, how they behave and act in a professional setting. Focus on the product you will be working on. Most companies have technical descriptions and product brochures. Ask to review these. Ask about anything you are not sure of or was not made clear to you.

AttendanceWoody Allen: 80% of success is just about showing upAttendance is necessaryNo call, no show = terminationFinals / Midterms notify employer ASAPAlways be punctual (lateness is not acceptable)A schedule from 8:00 to 5:00 means sitting at your desk ready to work at 8:00 not coming in at 8:03, getting coffee, and start working at 8:30.

TimecardsAccurate timekeeping is importantMulti-project time sheetsMust be accurateAltering or misrepresenting your time on a timecard is illegalNot recording overtime is illegal

AppearanceAdhere to the dress codeDress to accommodate safety procedures (i.e. if working in a lab, closed toe shoes)Even if the code is casual, follow conservative dress rulesWorkstation organized, neat, and check with supervisor to learn company policy before bringing personal items (i.e. photos)Watch your language (a foul sounding mouth looks bad)

SupervisorInitial trainingDecides on your job assignmentsDetermines if you are meeting expectationsAssesses your performanceDecides on your salary increaseLearn how to work with their management style

Your boss is always rightRespect and appreciate your bossDo as you are askedQuestion if unclear, but do not argueUnless, your boss is asking you to perform a task that is unethical or illegal (i.e. record that you worked 20 hours even though you worked 23 hours)

Make your boss look goodCompleting your work assignments on time. Producing a high quality and accurate product. Acting professionally and responsibly at all times. Being positive and a team player. Keeping your boss informed as to the status of your tasks and alert him or her to any problems. (The worst thing to do is to let your boss get caught off guard.)

What is the boss looking for in you?Take the initiative. Don't wait for work. Seek it out. Fill a need when you see a void or an opportunity (and make sure your supervisor knows you have offered to help). Show that you can think. Be creative and innovative. Develop a new way to perform a task or a new solution to a problem. Show a willingness to take on projects that have high visibility. That is how you get noticed.

Conflicts with your bossPersonality clashManagement styleTechnical differencesPerformance and work habits

Relating to Co-WorkersGet to know the people in your groupBe someone that can be counted onAsk pertinent questionsDo not be a know it allLearn to work with different types of people

Resolving Conflicts with CoworkersMisunderstandings Personality Clashes Lack of Cooperation Frustration and Irritability Substandard Performance

Resolving Conflicts with CoworkersDifferences Over Work Method Responsibility Issues Authority Issues Value and Goal Differences Non-Compliance with Rules and Policies Competition for Limited Resources

Resolving Conflicts: DosBe Positive and Patient Focus on the Problem, not the other PersonKeep an Open Mind; Be Flexible Seek the Other Person's Ideas and Point of View

Resolving Conflicts: DosExplore All Alternatives for Resolving the Conflict Try to Understand the Other Person's Perceptions End on a Positive Note

Resolving Conflicts: Don'tsPrejudge People Assume You Have All the Facts Focus on the Person's Attitude, Personality, or Motives Ignore Others' Ideas and Viewpoints

Resolving Conflicts: Don'tsOverlook the Possibility of Differing Perceptions Be Defensive Go Into the Discussion Unprepared Focus on Meeting Practical Needs at the Expense of Personal Needs

Lack of GuidanceTake matters into your own hands.Speak with the supervisor. Emphasize your eagerness to learn the job and contribute to your group and the company.

Lack of GuidanceAsk your supervisor's advice on the steps you can take to speed up your development and to be assigned some projects to work on.Seek other mentors in the company.

Assignments beyond your knowledge baseDont panic.Clarify the assignment.Develop a plan of attack.Submit drafts and get feedback.Dont be afraid to make a mistake, but learn from that, and NEVER MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE TWICE.

Communication SkillsPrepare written status or progress reports to management Write specifications and technical descriptions Write engineering change orders Provide instructions to others

Communication SkillsPresent your design concepts to senior engineering management at design reviews Communicate technical information to staff members that have no technical training Prepare product brochures and marketing materials

Teamwork SkillsYou all work for the same company and the main goal is to produce the best product possible. Remain flexible and keep an open mind. Producing the optimum design requires every-one to make certain compromises, including you.

Teamwork SkillsHelp other people whenever you can. Avoid being a know-it-all. Don't take opposition or critique of your concepts personally. In stating your position, rely on the facts and what you know, not opinion.

Performance ReviewsTechnical Ability Knowledge of Job Functions Character Responsibility Initiative Cooperation

Performance ReviewsAbility to Inspire and Influence Others Emotional Stability Vision Decisiveness Coordination Resourcefulness

Employee RightsSafe working environmentFree from discrimination and harassmentBreaks (in Nevada)10 minutes every 4 hours30 minute break if shift is 6 or more hours

Employee RightsMust sign release form to work more than 8 hours (i.e. 10 hour shifts); otherwise, considered overtimeMore than 40 hours per week is considered overtime for hourly employees (must pay time and a half)

Employee RightsDepartment of Laborhttp://www.dol.gov/index.htmWorkplace Fairnesshttp://www.workplacefairness.org

AcknowledgmentsASME, International Professional Practice Curriculum: http://www.professionalpractice.asme.org/index.htm

How to be a Good EmployeeCandice BauerUniversity of Nevada, RenoCollege of Engineering