4. Understanding Your Workplace Support Network
After preparing for the first workplace conversation, it is helpful for learners to identify the people who may support them during workplace integration.
Starting a new job involves learning new tasks, adapting to a different environment and building professional relationships. Knowing who can provide information, answer questions or offer support can make this process easier and reduce unnecessary stress.
Every workplace has its own structure, so the people involved in workplace integration may differ from one organisation to another. In smaller organisations, one person may perform several roles, while larger organisations often have separate managers, HR representatives, mentors or support professionals. Learners should understand that they do not need to manage every challenge independently. Identifying appropriate sources of support is an important part of successful workplace integration.
Typical members of a workplace support network may include:
Manager or Supervisor – explains work responsibilities, priorities and expectations, provides feedback and supports day-to-day work.
HR Representative – may assist with employment procedures, onboarding processes, workplace policies or reasonable workplace adjustments, depending on the organisation.
Colleagues – help new employees understand everyday workplace routines, informal practices and team communication.
Mentor or Buddy – in some organisations, an experienced colleague supports new employees during their first weeks and helps them become familiar with the workplace.
Career Counsellor, Job Coach or Support Professional – may continue supporting learners after employment begins by helping prepare workplace conversations, discuss challenges and identify possible solutions.
Understanding these different roles helps learners communicate more confidently and identify appropriate sources of support when questions or difficulties arise. Asking questions, requesting clarification and seeking guidance are normal parts of workplace integration and demonstrate a willingness to learn and perform well.
Practical Activities
In this section, you will:
Complete the My Workplace Support Network Worksheet to identify the people who may support you during your first weeks at work.
Use an AI Prompt to explore whether there are additional sources of support you may not have considered.
Review Marta's Case Study to see how these activities can be completed in a real-life workplace situation.
Together, these activities will help you recognise who can support you in different workplace situations and feel more confident about asking for help when you need it.
Worksheet 4. My Workplace Support Network
Who can support me during my first weeks at work? (If you do not yet know who performs these roles in your workplace, leave the space blank and complete it after you start your new job)
| Person/Role | How can this person help me? | When might I contact them? |
|---|---|---|
| Manager/Supervisor | ||
| HR Representative | ||
| Colleagues | ||
| Mentor/Buddy | ||
Career Counsellor/ Support person |
||
| Other |
AI-Supported Activity
Sometimes there are more people who can support you than you might expect. AI can help you think about who may be able to assist you in different workplace situations. Copy your completed worksheet into your preferred AI assistant and use the prompt below.
AI Prompt D: Act as an experienced career coach specialising in inclusive employment. “I am preparing to start a new job. Based on my Workplace Support Network below:
identify any important sources of support I may have overlooked;
explain how each person could help me;
suggest when it would be appropriate to contact them.
Keep your suggestions practical and suitable for my workplace.”
Review the AI suggestions carefully. Keep only the people and ideas that are relevant to your own workplace. Every organisation is different, so your support network may look different from someone else's.
Even with good preparation and appropriate support, challenges may still arise during workplace integration. The next section explores common workplace situations and practical strategies for responding to them.