New to a Canadian Workplace? Avoid These Common Mistakes 

Landing a job can be one of the biggest turning points in your settlement journey as a newcomer. But after spending your first week on the job, you may start noticing unfamiliarity with your workplace culture. 

But first, what is workplace culture? 

Workplace culture is how people behave, communicate, and work together in the workplace. You can think of workplace culture as the “feeling” of a workplace, and it will differ from one workplace to another.  

You may have plenty of professional experience in your home country. Still, the way people communicate and work together can feel surprisingly different in Canada. 

Here are some common mistakes newcomers make and what you can do instead:

1. Not asking questions when something is unclear 

This is a common one. You may think asking questions will make you look unqualified. However, pretending you understand something when you don’t, can create much bigger problems. 

Asking questions shows that you care about doing the job correctly. Just remember to listen carefully and take notes so you do not have to ask the same question repeatedly. 

If you are unsure about a task, deadline, or instruction, ask for clarification. You can say, “Just to make sure I understand correctly, would you like me to…” This shows that you are paying attention and want to do the work properly. 

Remember: Asking the same questions after they have been explained to you can hurt your credibility at work. 

2. Staying silent in meetings 

You might have been taught that the most respectful employee is the one who listens without interrupting. This can be a great quality. But in some Canadian workplaces, being too quiet may be interpreted differently. Your manager and coworker might think you’re not interested in the meeting discussion, or that you are not listening at all. 

Try making a small contribution. Ask a question. Share an idea. Give an update. Even a simple comment like, “That makes sense to me,” can show that you are engaged. 

Remember: Sharing your suggestion and ideas in a positive manners can demonstrate your initiative and problem-solving skills.

3. Forgetting that small talk matters 

You might be wondering, “Why is everyone talking about the weather?”  

Small talk is a polite and casual social habit used to build relationships and trust. It isn’t about becoming friends with everyone, and you do not have to share personal information you are uncomfortable discussing. It’s more about creating a respectful, friendly, and comfortable work environment.  

Typically, the conversation revolves around weather, weekends, hobbies, or plans, and it is usually short. It may seem unnecessary, but it can help you and your colleagues get to know each other and build positive working relationships. Small talk is an essential skill that can also provide an opportunity for career advancement, particularly in leadership roles.

If you’re not sure how to engage in small talk or are just introverted, be friendly, be present, listen, and ask a simple follow-up question. 

Why small talk matters in the workplace

4. Not telling your manager when something is going wrong at work 

Nobody expects you to be perfect. If you are honest about your mistake or realize you may miss a deadline, do not hide it and hope nobody notices. Communicate early that you may need more time to complete a task. Tell your manager what happened, what you have done to address it and what you need to move forward. This can give your manager an opportunity to provide support. 

Taking responsibility usually makes a much better impression than pretending the problem does not exist. 

Remember: Being honest about your mistake shows integrity and professional maturity.

5. Assuming workplace culture is the same everywhere in Canada

There is no single “Canadian workplace.” Expectations can differ between industries, companies, managers and teams. Even within the same company, there can be different workplace cultures across departments. What is considered normal in one workplace may be different somewhere else.

Instead of assuming that every workplace works the same way, take time to observe, ask questions, and learn how things are done in your new workplace. Think of your first few months as a learning period.

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