Starting a new job or transitioning into mainstream employment can be exciting – but it can also feel a little daunting. Everyone makes mistakes at work, and that’s completely normal. What matters most is how you respond and learn from them.
At Jigsaw, we help people with disability build the confidence and skills to succeed in the workplace. Part of that journey is understanding that mistakes are part of learning – not a sign that you aren’t capable.
Why mistakes happen
Mistakes can happen for lots of reasons:
- You’re learning a new task or process.
- Workplace systems or communication aren’t clear.
- Everyone has different ways of doing things.
- You might misread instructions or forget a step.
Recognising that mistakes are normal can help reduce stress and make it easier to focus on solutions.
Steps to handle mistakes at work
- Stay calm
Take a moment to breathe. Mistakes can feel overwhelming, but staying calm helps you think clearly. - Acknowledge it
If your mistake affects others, let them know promptly. Being honest shows responsibility and builds trust. - Understand what happened
Take a step back and figure out why the mistake occurred. Was it a misunderstanding? A missing step? Understanding the cause helps prevent it from happening again. - Ask for help if needed
It’s okay to ask a supervisor or colleague for guidance. Everyone needs support sometimes. - Learn and move forward
Make a plan for what you can do differently next time. Mistakes are opportunities to improve your skills and confidence.
Building a positive mindset around mistakes
- Treat mistakes as learning moments, not failures.
- Celebrate when you fix a problem or improve your approach.
- Remember, even experienced employees make mistakes. What counts is progress.
Jigsaw’s support
At Jigsaw, we provide training and workplace support to help you feel confident, capable, and prepared. Our program teaches practical skills, problem-solving strategies, and communication techniques to help you thrive in any workplace.
Remember: mistakes are normal, and every step you take – including the missteps – helps you grow. With the right mindset and support, you can turn setbacks into valuable learning opportunities and keep moving forward toward your career goals.
To find out more about Jigsaw’s workplace readiness program, head to jigsawaustralia.com.au
About Jigsaw
Jigsaw is a social enterprise that provides an innovative pathway to mainstream employment for people with disability. By embedding a comprehensive skill-based training program within our commercial document and data management business, Jigsaw enables people with disability to achieve their employment goals at their own pace. Jigsaw’s holistic approach starts from the very basics of core work skills and supports trainees all the way through to transition to open employment with ongoing support and coaching once they have transitioned. Jigsaw is located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Canberra.