NAVIGATING COMPANY CULTURE: WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE STARTING YOUR NEW JOB
Whether you’re in the application process, preparing for your first interview, or wondering whether to accept the offer, as you prepare to embark on this new journey, it's essential to take a moment to assess the company's culture.
A healthy work environment is crucial, regardless of what industry or position you’re in.
Culture is:
The environment
The conversations (both formal and informal)
The values
All amalgamated together.
But of course, although most are down to basic and moral ways to treat employees, lots of this can be subjective.
This means it's important to find a culture that aligns with your lifestyle and career goals. After all, you'll be spending a significant portion of your waking hours at work.
So, let's dive into the top 10 things you should consider (and even ask an employer) about a company's culture before jumping in.
CONSIDER YOUR WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Most of us strive for that magical work-life balance – otherwise, you wouldn’t hear about it every day in the media.
But the reality varies from one company to another. Some organisations prioritise it, while others consider it an unrealistic dream.
One way to figure out what would work for you is to determine what balance means to you. If you cherish your personal time, whether that’s seeing friends, doing the school run, or any other commitments, be cautious of cultures that glorify:
Long hours
No breaks
Being available 24/7
On the flip side (sort of), if you enjoy the hustle and bustle and you want a job that keeps you busy, you don’t want to join a company where you’re twiddling your thumbs waiting for new projects.
However, even with this, it’s important to think ahead of the pure excitement that comes from a new role. It’s great to want to get stuck in and do as much as possible to support the company, but you want the company to support you back by respecting your personal life.
WHAT’S THE COMPANY’S VALUES AND MISSION?
A company's values and mission can sort of serve as a compass for its culture.
Reflect on your own values and aspirations, then research how the company's core principles align with them. Working for a company that shares your values will foster a sense of purpose, belonging and make you feel more connected to your work.
But of course, anyone can make up values, or not stick with the same way years down the line. So have a dig through their social media pages, website, and employee reviews to see if they look as great as they say they are.
DO YOU LIKE COLLABORATION OR AUTONOMY?
Consider how the company approaches collaboration and autonomy.
Some organisations thrive on teamwork, others encourage individuality and self-direction, and few encourage both for a perfect balance.
Now, the perfect balance is both. You need to be somewhere that encourages you to take initiative and make mistakes in order to grow, but you also need support to keep developing professionally – especially if you’re early on in your career.
However, there are pros to both sides and you have to gauge whether the company's culture offers the level of collaboration or autonomy that suits where you are right now.
You may start off somewhere that is incredibly individualistic. You may not get much help from those around you, and in the short term, it can help build resilience and independence, which can help you as you move forward.
But you also may start somewhere that is 90% collaboration. Although you may not have time to learn the ropes for yourself, what you do learn is incredible teamwork and listening skills, as well as a heightened sense of creativity from brainstorming with a range of people.
hOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROGRESSING?
If you’re ambitious in any way, the company’s career progression is a huge thing to think about.
Career development comes in various forms, including:
Promotions
Further training in your industry, skills, or leadership
Opportunities to manage a team
And evidently, all of these should result in an enhanced salary or package.
You want to know if the company is committed to fostering growth and providing opportunities for advancement… that’s if you're seeking long-term stability of course.
But, if you're looking for a springboard to launch your career elsewhere, other aspects may take precedence (such as whether the role will build relevant experience).
WHAT’S THEIR OVERALL LEADERSHIP STYLE?
Leadership plays a significant role in shaping a company's culture.
It determines how you’re treated, not just by your bosses, but by those around you. Whatever culture a leader decides to build, people tend to follow.
Of course, it’s impossible to know EXACTLY what the leadership will be like, but if you have interviews lined up with anyone from the management team, pay close attention.
How do they ask/ answer questions?
Do they hold eye contact?
Are they conversational in their approach?
How do they talk about their team? Are they seen as valuable additions to the company?
This will give you an insight into how they communicate and operate the team. But feel free to ask further questions about the leadership at the end of your interview to gauge whether their answer seems authentic.
But of course, different people prefer different styles of leadership so it’s important to find a leadership style that resonates with you and enables your growth and success.
DO THEY OFFER Flexibility?
Some people love remote working, some hate it. Some prefer hybrid working, and some are either or.
But we’re in a society now where you’re able to make more of a choice. Consider how the company embraces flexibility and remote work.
If having the freedom to work remotely or adapt your schedule is important to you (whether you have commitments such as children, or you simply prefer it) seek a company that values these aspects.
It’s better to approach your job-seeking or interview discussions with this expectation because you don’t want to be stuck in a tricky situation later on.
But if you’re someone who enjoys being around people, or you’re just starting out in your career and need to be around others in order to learn the ropes, you won’t need to think about this benefit as much.
WHAT’S THEIR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION LIKE?
An inclusive and diverse work culture is not just a buzzword — it’s a necessity. Outside of the fact that it ensures every single person feels valued and treated with respect, it also fosters creativity, innovation, and empathy amongst colleagues.
Look for evidence of:
Equal opportunities
Diverse representation
Inclusive policies
A culture that embraces differences can enrich your experience, and help you to feel welcome, whilst contributing to your personal and professional growth.
HOW DO THEY ENSURE Employee Wellbeing?
Take note of how the company prioritises employee well-being.
Beyond the enticing salary or career progression opportunities, truly ask yourself: does the culture genuinely care about the physical and mental health of its employees?
Look for initiatives such as:
Health schemes/ insurance
Free or discounted mental health support
Paid fitness classes
More annual leave
‘Work from anywhere' policy
- Written by Oliver Howson
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