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First 90 Days: How to Succeed in Your New Job
A complete guide to making a great impression and setting yourself up for success.
15 min readRead Guide
Workplace Success Guide
Thrive in Your Workplace
From Day One
Professional guides for navigating South African workplaces - from your first 90 days to getting promoted. Updated for 2025/2026.
90
days to make your first impression
70%
of promotions go to visible employees
1 week
severance per year (minimum)
21
days annual leave (minimum)
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🚀 Your First 90 Days
A strategic approach to starting strong in your new role
1
Days 1-30
Learn & Observe
The Sponge Phase
Learn everyone's names and roles
Understand company culture and unwritten rules
Study processes, systems, and tools
Listen more than you speak in meetings
Build relationships with your immediate team
Clarify expectations with your manager
Identify quick wins you can deliver
⚠️ Avoid:
- Criticising how things are done
- Trying to change everything immediately
- Isolating yourself at your desk
2
Days 31-60
Contribute & Connect
The Contribution Phase
Start delivering on your core responsibilities
Expand your network beyond your team
Schedule one-on-ones with key stakeholders
Share ideas thoughtfully in meetings
Ask for feedback from your manager
Document processes and learnings
Volunteer for cross-functional projects
⚠️ Avoid:
- Overcommitting to too many projects
- Ignoring feedback or being defensive
- Working in silos without collaboration
3
Days 61-90
Add Value & Lead
The Impact Phase
Propose improvements based on observations
Take ownership of significant projects
Mentor newer team members if appropriate
Build your personal brand internally
Set goals for the next quarter
Schedule a 90-day review with your manager
Celebrate your wins (internally)
⚠️ Avoid:
- Becoming complacent
- Forgetting to document achievements
- Neglecting the relationships you've built
💬 Workplace Communication
Master professional communication in every scenario
Do's
- Use clear, descriptive subject lines
- Get to the point in the first paragraph
- Use bullet points for multiple items
- Proofread before sending
- Reply within 24 hours (even if just to acknowledge)
Don'ts
- Reply all unnecessarily
- Use ALL CAPS or excessive exclamation marks!!!
- Send emotional emails when upset
- Leave the subject line blank
- CC the world on every email
🛡️ Common Workplace Challenges
Solutions to the most common workplace difficulties
Imposter Syndrome
Feeling like you don't deserve your position or will be 'found out'
Solutions:
Keep a 'wins' document of your achievements
Remember: you were hired for a reason
Talk to trusted colleagues - most people feel this
Focus on learning, not perfection
Celebrate small victories
Micromanaging Boss
A manager who oversees every detail of your work
Solutions:
Provide frequent updates before being asked
Ask about their preferred communication style
Build trust through consistent delivery
Document your processes and decisions
Have a direct conversation about autonomy
Toxic Colleague
Dealing with gossip, undermining, or negative behaviour
Solutions:
Document incidents with dates and details
Keep interactions professional and brief
Don't engage in gossip or complaining
Set clear boundaries
Escalate to HR if behaviour continues
Work-Life Balance
Struggling to disconnect from work and maintain personal time
Solutions:
Set clear working hours and stick to them
Turn off work notifications after hours
Use your leave days - they exist for a reason
Learn to say 'no' to non-essential tasks
Schedule personal time like you schedule meetings
Lack of Recognition
Your contributions go unnoticed or uncredited
Solutions:
Make your work visible through updates
Quantify your achievements with numbers
Speak up in meetings about your contributions
Ask for feedback and recognition directly
Build relationships with decision-makers
Career Stagnation
Feeling stuck with no clear path forward
Solutions:
Have a career conversation with your manager
Identify skills needed for the next level
Volunteer for stretch assignments
Find a mentor in your desired role
Consider lateral moves to gain experience
🇿🇦 South African Workplace Culture
Understanding the unique aspects of working in SA
Ubuntu in the Workplace
The philosophy of 'I am because we are' - emphasising community, teamwork, and collective success over individual achievement.
- Celebrate team wins, not just personal achievements
- Help colleagues when you can
- Build genuine relationships beyond transactional work
Hierarchy & Respect
Many SA workplaces have traditional hierarchies. Respect for seniority is important, though this is evolving.
- Address seniors appropriately initially
- Follow the chain of command for escalations
- Observe how colleagues interact before assuming familiarity
Diversity & Inclusion
SA workplaces are among the most diverse globally. Cultural awareness and sensitivity are essential.
- Learn about different cultural practices
- Be mindful of religious observances and holidays
- Avoid assumptions based on background
Time & Punctuality
'African time' is a stereotype. In corporate SA, punctuality is expected and valued.
- Arrive on time for meetings and work
- Communicate early if you'll be late
- Respect deadlines and deliver on commitments
Language Considerations
While English is common in business, SA has 11 official languages. Multilingual ability is an asset.
- Learn greetings in other SA languages
- Be patient with non-native English speakers
- Don't make assumptions about home language
Load Shedding Adaptations
Power outages affect work. Successful employees adapt and plan around load shedding schedules.
- Keep devices charged and have backup power
- Schedule important work during on-grid hours
- Communicate proactively about impact on deliverables
⚖️ Know Your Rights
Basic employment rights under South African labour law
Working Hours
Maximum 45 hours per week (9 hours/day for 5-day week). Overtime must be agreed and compensated.
Leave Entitlements
Minimum 21 consecutive days annual leave, 6 weeks paid sick leave per 3-year cycle, 4 months maternity leave.
Minimum Wage
National minimum wage applies (check current rate). Some sectors have higher sectoral determinations.
Protection from Discrimination
Protected against discrimination based on race, gender, disability, religion, and other grounds under the EEA.
UIF Contributions
Employer must contribute to UIF. You're entitled to benefits if retrenched or on maternity leave.
Safe Working Conditions
Employers must provide safe working conditions. Report unsafe conditions to the Department of Labour.
Need Help with a Workplace Issue?
Contact the CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration) for free assistance with workplace disputes. Call 0861 161 616 or visit ccma.org.za. You can also report issues to the Department of Labour.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about workplace success
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