Brits admit to dropping their A game six weeks into new job

Brits admit to dropping their A game six weeks into new job by Michael Cheary Brits admit that best behaviours slip six weeks into starting a new jobWomen bake cakes while men buy pints in a bid to impress new colleaguesAverage UK worker wastes 33 minutes every day on ‘me-related tasks’ costing employers an average of £2149 per worker  Brits are on their best behaviour for an average of just six weeks when starting a new role, according to our latest research.However, once settled in, the temptation to kill time is too much for many of us, as UK workers admit they dedicate time to ‘me-related’ tasks on the job, costing employers an average of £2149 per person per annum.*Baking, beverages and briberyIn an attempt to make a good first impression, new jobbers go all out.The research reveals almost two thirds of women (61 per cent) channel their inner Mary Berry and treat team members to homemade cakes, whereas men (67 per cent) prefer to buy workmates lunch or an after-hours pint.Almost a quarter of workers (22 per cent) arrive at work early to try and impress their boss, whilst one in six (16 per cent) check their phone only during breaks to avoid distractions.The ‘six week rule’Despite our best intentions, the desire to impress our new employer begins to slip around six weeks after starting a new job with the average worker admitting to spending 33 minutes indulging in ‘me-time’ at work.Checking personal emails was named as the top ‘desktop distraction’ for nearly a third of workers (30 per cent), closely followed by checking social media and replying to text and Whatsapp messages.Once in the swing of things, one in five (19 per cent) admit they will even take an extra-long lunch for the chance to catch up with friends.No accountability in accountancy?Interestingly, the desire to keep up appearances and make a good impression does differ dramatically depending on the industry.Engineering employers can rest assured that employees will not surrender to ‘desktop distractions’, as over half (58 per cent) claim they keep up the good impressions for at least a year.Accountancy staff settle in much quicker, with over a fifth of those (23 per cent) in the industry admitting to succumbing to ‘me-related tasks’ after just 22 to 30 days.Top five ways to make a good first impressionEasily distracted? Here are five ways you can make sure you’re giving off a good first impression:Arrive early in the mornings to get a head startLeave phone in bag/pocketDon’t open any personal emails or searching the internetGo the extra mile and do additional work to get aheadStay late to look eager*Survey of 2,592 jobseekers from reed.co.uk databaseGetting bored of your day job? Find your perfect position now.