It is important to learn to initiate conversations wherever you go. Conversations are the key to socializing with everyone around you and it is no different at the workplace. This ability of yours can go a long way in helping you create a good first impression and may also help establish valuable relationships. Here are some of the easiest ways to help break the ice at a new place of work:

1. Learn to introduce yourself. This sounds simple enough but a lot of us hold back because of our shyness. Don’t be scared to introduce yourself to people at various levels. Once you get past the shyness to introduce yourself, you will find that it is much easier to steer the conversation.
2. Ask someone how their day is going. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to start a conversation and will help you take the conversation forward.
3. Get to know how long someone has been working at the company, adding that you have just started. It works very well if the person you start talking to has been working for a long time at the company as they may be able to show you around and introduce you to other people too.
4. Once you strike up a conversation, ask a lot of open-ended questions (“what books do you read?”; “what course did you do in college?”). This will help you get to know the person better. However, make sure that you are not too intrusive with personal questions.
5. Use your lunch break to get to know other people in various departments of the company. Joining a group for lunch will help you get to know the company as well as your co-workers, better.