Workplace and Job Confidence

Work Success: Building Your Confidence, Managing Expectations and Staying Safe
Workers collaborating across different roles demonstrating inclusive employment, teamwork, accessibility, and participation in the workplace

Having a job is a big achievement. Staying confident at work means understanding what’s expected, knowing how to communicate with others, and recognising your rights.

We’re here to help you navigate workplace expectations, build confidence, and speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

This includes:

  1. Understanding Workplace Expectations
  2. Social Skills & Workplace Etiquette
  3. Time, Responsibility & Accountability
  4. Building Confidence at Work
  5. Your Rights at Work 
  6. What To Do If Something Isn’t Right
Understanding Workplace Expectations

Common expectations at work:

  • Arriving on time and being ready to work
  • Completing tasks within agreed timeframes
  • Following instructions from your supervisor
  • Communicating if you need help or don’t understand something
  • Working safely and following workplace rules

Australian workplaces are often friendly and informal, but they still expect professionalism, reliability, and clear communication.

Social Skills & Workplace Etiquette

Knowing how to interact with others at work is just as important as doing the job.

Workplace communication:

  • Speak clearly and respectfully
  • Listen to others
  • Ask questions if unsure
  • Use appropriate language

Respect & teamwork:

  • Treat everyone equally and respectfully
  • Be open to different people and perspectives
  • Work together to solve problems

Working with managers:

  • Managers are there to support you
  • It’s okay to ask questions or ask for help
  • Follow directions, even if the workplace feels informal

Australian workplaces value equality and teamwork, with managers often seen as approachable but still responsible for guiding work

Time, Responsibility & Accountability

Being reliable builds trust and confidence.

What this means:

  • Turning up on time (or letting someone know if you’re late)
  • Meeting deadlines
  • Taking responsibility for your work
  • Letting your supervisor know if something goes wrong

Employees are expected to be accountable for their work and behaviour, contributing to a positive and productive workplace

Building Confidence at Work

Confidence grows when you:

  • Try new tasks
  • Ask for support when needed
  • Learn from mistakes
  • Celebrate your achievements
Your Rights at Work (IMPORTANT)

Everyone has the right to feel safe, respected, and treated fairly at work.

Your basic workplace rights:

  • To be treated fairly and with respect
  • To be paid correctly
  • To work in a safe environment
  • To not be discriminated against

All employees in Australia, including people with disability, have these rights.

What is NOT okay at work:

  • Being treated unfairly because of your disability
  • Being bullied, excluded, or harassed
  • Not being given support you need to do your job
  • Being punished for speaking up
  • Being treated differently without a valid reason

Disability discrimination is against the law and includes being treated less favourably or unfairly because of disability

Workplace adjustments (your support rights)

You may have the right to:

  • Flexible hours or breaks
  • Changes to tasks or environment
  • Assistive equipment or technology
  • Additional training or support

Employers must provide reasonable adjustments to help you do your job unless it causes unjustifiable hardship.

What To Do If Something Isn’t Right

1️⃣ Talk to someone you trust

  • Supervisor
  • Manager
  • Support worker / job coach
  • Access2Work team

2️⃣ Write down what happened

  • Dates, times, what was said or done

3️⃣ Ask for support or adjustments

  • Explain what you need to do your job properly

4️⃣ Get external help if needed:

If discrimination or unfair treatment happens, you can make a complaint and get support.

How Access2Work Can Help

We support you to:

  • Understand workplace expectations
  • Build confidence in communication
  • Navigate challenges at work
  • Advocate for yourself
  • Stay in your job and succeed
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