Making yourself popular

If you're starting a new job and want to make a good impression on your new colleagues, try these cultural tips!

- offer to make cups of tea or coffee

British workers like a "cuppa", and mid-morning or mid-afternoon is a good time to offer. Most offices have coffee and tea-making facilities. You don't need to offer everyone - just the people working closest to you.

- suggest a lunch time drink / drink after work

Going out with your new colleagues for half an hour or so is a good way to get to know them, and for them to get to know you. Away from the office, everyone is likely to be more relaxed and sociable. You don't need to have an alcoholic drink, but half a pint or a glass of wine is not considered excessive, either. Here's an earlier post with tips on what to say in the pub.

- accept invitations that come your way

If you're invited to the pub, or even to someone's house, make an effort to go. For some useful phrases to accept an invitation, see this post.

- remember someone's birthday

Office colleagues often get a card or small, jokey present when it's someone's birthday. Very often there'll be a "whip-round", when all the colleagues contribute a small amount each to buy a card or present.