What is all the talk about Workplace Culture?
Has anyone ever told you....
You
do not fit our Work Culture……
Those words followed by, you are not a good fit
, sorry, we will have to let you go
may come as a surprise to you. You might think that is a weird thing to say as you
did go through one or more interviews and may have thought you were doing a
good job.
It could mean that you weren’t doing a good job or if in
management that your style of management may not fit with the leadership style
currently in force. But, it may just
merely mean that they are looking for a certain type of person who will blend
in with the workforce already there.
So, when looking for employment, do not overlook the need to
ask questions about the work culture for the place you are seeking to work
at.
What kind of culture are you looking for? Would you like a casual work environment, one
where you can dress comfortably every day? What about hours of work? Would you like to work from home at least one
day a week or to have a flexible work schedule?
I was thinking about these things even before the September
2013 Top Workplaces came out as an insert to a recent Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
If you are like me I look for a collaborative work environment. One where you feel like you matter to the
company. Actually, on page 11 of this
insert in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, it is stated that, “Top Workplaces have a knack for making
employees feel like they matter.”
As mentioned before, a flexible work environment is a part
of workplace culture and can lead to happier employees. It also cites good pay and great co-workers
as reasons for wanting to stay working for employers. Top workplaces will pass
additional monies to their employees during profitable years in business. Wouldn’t it be great to work at a place that
really cared about your happiness and well-being? Wouldn’t it be nice if the
input you gave really mattered? Or better yet, that you saw it put to practice.
While working as a
Technical Recruiter, I noted that workplace culture was very important to some
of the people I was placing with employers.
I’ve noticed that they often go to the grapevine, talking to employee’s
that are either currently working there or have worked there.
While this isn’t always foolproof, nor can you always talk
to someone that can give you the inside scoop. There are other ways to get this information.
On page 8 of this insert it points out that “the latest
generation of job seekers are native to the realm of social networks and freely
available information, puts a premium on workplace culture.” Even if you fit in
with the overall work culture, do not overlook the fact that you need to fit
the culture of your new boss in order to have a meaningful work
relationship.
LinkedIn as well as the Glassdoor are social networking
sites that allow job seekers to view comments from employees at companies they
want to get a job with. And you really have a great opportunity to network with
employers even before a job gets posted.
In closing, by considering the information that is either written or by
networking with others, you have additional tools to help you to find a good
workplace culture, one where you can contribute, feel valued, and that is concerned about your happiness.
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