Working

Every workplace has rules, policies and common practices or "unwritten rules" that take time to learn.  These written and unwritten rules may differ with the employer.  However, you will find that some are common across Saskatchewan, such as health and safety standards, greeting each other by saying hello or good morning, shaking hands, and being on time for work and appointments. 

No matter where you work, it is important to be clean, well groomed and respectful.  Some workplaces have rules that limit the use of scents and perfumes and most have regulations against smoking.

Some things that may be different from your home country are the hours of work, style of dress, how people greet each other, how decisions are made, and the type or amount of work you are assigned to do.

Like all new employees, you will need to adapt to your new work environment.  Usually the written rules and regulations in a workplace can be found on the company website or in a policy manual.  It is more difficult, but very important, to learn about the unwritten rules that make up the "culture" of the workplace.  The best way to do this is to observe others and to ask questions.

Observe how your co-workers relate to each other, what they wear and how they conduct themselves in the workplace.  Ask your supervisor or co-workers if you are uncertain about the directions you are given or what behaviour your supervisor expects of you.

You may find that the workplace culture in Saskatchewan is informal and all people are treated as equals.  Usually, people refer to each other and to their supervisors by first name.  No special status is given to those of a certain class, age, gender or position.  

Men and women are seen as equals under the law.  In the workplace your boss may be a woman or man, and may be younger than you.  It is important to treat both men and women with equal respect.

The Human Rights Code in Saskatchewan guarantees employees certain rights.  It is acceptable to ask an employer for special considerations to deal with a disability, or to practice one's religion.  An employer is expected to meet such requests as best they can.

In the workplace, it is considered good manners to say "please" and "thank you," "excuse me" when you bump someone and "I'm sorry to interrupt" when you want the attention of someone speaking with another or on the phone.

Work and personal life are seen as separate.  You are expected to treat information from work as confidential.  Employers also expect you not to use the phone, internet and email for personal reasons and to leave all work equipment at work.

The qualities that Saskatchewan employers look for in their employees include both the skills to do the job and the ability to fit into the workplace.   

Your employer will expect you to:

• Be on time and complete the work assigned to you
• Be dependable and trustworthy
• Get along with others at work
• Have the ability to work in teams and to work alone, without close supervision
• Interact with co-workers, such as socializing during coffee breaks

For a more extensive list of employer expectations and guidelines for workplace behaviour, click here.

A mentor is someone who is willing to share their experience and knowledge with you.  They can be very helpful in explaining the Canadian workplace culture and practices.  Finding a mentor is also an excellent way to gain valuable information on pursuing a career in your occupation.

Talk to your co-workers or supervisor to see if you can find a mentor in your workplace.  Professional associations may also be able to help you find a mentor.

CanadaInfoNet is an online forum where volunteer mentors are available to assist professionals, business people and trades people who are new to Canada, or are considering immigrating to Canada.