some privacy, but they are not protected from noises or distractions. If this is your assigned area, remember to respect those in the cubicles around you. When in conversations on the phone or with those who are vis- iting you, remember to keep your voice low so as not to disturb others. If listening to music as you work, use headphones. Digital devices should be turned off or silenced. Depending on your career and position, you may have your own office as a workspace. Having an office provides a quiet, private space to complete tasks. If you have an office, treat it as a privilege. Close the door when you are in conversations with visitors or on the phone. Respect should be shown to your employer by keeping your workspace clean, organized, and free from clutter. Over-decorating with photographs and personal items can be distracting in a business situation, so discretion should be used. Personal items, such as briefcases and lunch containers, should be placed in a drawer or closet to maintain discretion and safety, as well as to keep the space presentable and orderly. Some businesses permit employees to drink coffee and water and eat snacks or lunch at their desks. If you choose to do so, avoid bringing foods to your work- space that have strong odors that might offend cowork- ers. Remember to maintain a clean work environment and dispose of leftovers and packaging in the employee break room or cafeteria rather than in the waste paper can at your desk. Performance Evaluations During your career, your performance on the job will be evaluated. A performance evaluation is a formal process designed to evaluate an employee’s work with productive outcomes. The evaluation will take into account not only your actual job performance and how you execute your duties, but also how well you interact with your coworkers as a team player. Performance evaluations are generally formal meet- ings with a manager or supervisor. He or she will review the evaluation with you and discuss the results. These meetings are an opportunity for you to conduct self-evaluations about what you want from your job and where you will advance yourself. A performance evaluation form will be used in an evaluation. Ask for a copy of the form early in your employment. Review the criteria often and execute each category to the best of your ability. If at any time you feel that you are not meeting the minimum crite- ria as detailed on the performance evaluation form, ask your immediate supervisor for guidance. He or she should be able to provide feedback that you can use to help overcome obstacles that stand in the way of your success. Remember, you created a two- to four-year career plan. During a performance evaluation, it is up to you to decide if the outcome of your meeting is what you want for your career. Use each evaluation as a chance to revisit your plan. Complete 13-2 Employee Performance Self-Evaluation, pg 220 CONNECT TO YOUR CAREER Workplace Safety As a new employee, it is necessary to become acquainted with workplace safety guidelines for the organization. Workplace safety in the United States has continu- ously improved since the beginning of the 20th century. Injury, death, and illness related to working conditions have gradually declined. This is due to a change in the type of work done today and in the safety precautions that have been put in place. Accident Prevention Falling hazards, lifting hazards, and material-storage hazards account for most of the workplace accidents that occur in offices. Falls are the most common work- place accidents in an office setting. To prevent falling injuries, take the following precautions: • close drawers completely • do not stand on a chair or box to reach an object • secure cords, rugs, and mats Lifting hazards are sources of potential injury from improperly lifting or carrying items. Most back injuries are caused by improper lifting. To prevent lifting inju- ries, take the following precautions: • make several small trips with items rather than one trip with an overly heavy load • use dollies or handcarts whenever possible • lift with the legs, not the back • never carry an item that blocks vision Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 212 Chapter 13 Your First Day on the Job