social anxiety in the workplace
hi all:) I just started a new job in a really energetic and social workplace. I'm a pretty shy person, and have trouble when making new friends, so i'm asking for some help. what are ways that could help me warm up with the coworkers and make work..sort of fun when its not so busy. I currently work hosting in a restaurant along with others in the same position close to my age. my goal is to have inside jokes and things to do with them to make work more enjoyable because I feel like being quiet ruins the time for them. any tips?
@neptunenymph
Hello! Sorry for the late reply. I hope you are doing well. 🌸
Being in such a lively and social environment and around so many new people can definitely be stressful! My suggestion would be to take it one step at a time. Being shy and quiet doesn't mean you don't have things, it just means that it takes a while to feel comfortable around people.
Everyone is unique and different, and quiet people can be very interesting to talk to, and great friends too. I don't think it ruins things for others, but that others might feel curious about you and might want to get to know you more. Saying hello or asking how someone is doing are great first steps! If they had been working there before you, you can even talks bout that, or share anything about the job (maybe even comment on what happens daily, any incidents that happen at the restaurant). This is what connects you at the moment so it might help as a conversation starter!
How is your week at work going so far?
@VickyP
hi Vicky! its been doing well. every shift comes anxiety, but eventually, it passes when I focus on working. i have just been working on becoming closer to my coworkers. the hard part is that many of my coworkers are around the same age or a few years older. this kind of makes it more difficult for me, personally, since I get insecure with how they view me. I enjoy being around the older associates though. I feel weird that I'm in high school, yet get along better with adult associates twice my age rather than the "teen" ones.
@neptunenymph
You may try asking for help happily and helping your co workers when they need you to bond better. :)
