workplace culture

When you’re looking for a job, it’s important to take the “long view” of where you want your career to go. Just because a job is available and pays well, that doesn’t mean it’s suited to your emotional well-being or your long-term goals. Beyond the paycheck or job title, the environment in which you work profoundly impacts your professional growth and personal well-being. That’s why I emphasize that when even as an employer considers you as a job candidate, you should also be evaluating the company and its workplace culture to be sure it’s a good fit.

Think of it this way: the company isn’t just considering you: you should also be effectively auditioning the company to make sure you’re entering a workplace culture that promotes wellness, rewards effort, and makes room for growth.

Understanding Workplace Culture

Workplace culture encompasses the shared values, beliefs, and practices that characterize an organization. It’s the underlying ethos that influences how employees interact, make decisions, and feel about their work in the day-to-day. A supportive and dynamic culture can be a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and personal development. Conversely, a toxic culture can stifle creativity, breed dissatisfaction, and result in a high turnover rate.

Why Workplace Culture Matters for You

A workplace with a positive culture is one where growth and fulfillment are not just possibilities but expectations. Such environments often prioritize open communication, mutual respect, and a strong sense of community. Here, employees feel valued, motivated, and encouraged to reach their full potential. The impact of working in such a setting is profound—it fosters a sense of belonging and empowers individuals to take proactive steps in their career journey.

On the flip side, accepting a position in an organization with a negative culture can lead to a host of challenges. Stress, burnout, and a feeling of entrapment are common in such environments. When the focus is solely on immediate job security, it can be easy to overlook red flags during the interview process. However, enduring a harmful culture can have long-term ramifications on your career and mental health. Believe me, if you notice signs of a toxic culture, it would be better for you to keep looking, no matter how desperate you are to find work in the moment.

What to Look For in a Healthy Workplace Culture

What are some good signs that a company offers a happy and healthy place to work? Here are some signs to look for:

• Open Communication: A healthy workplace culture encourages open and honest communication at all levels. This includes transparency from leadership, active listening among colleagues, and constructive feedback.
• Work-Life Balance: A good work-life balance is essential for maintaining overall well-being and productivity. Look for companies that prioritize flexible schedules, remote work options, or other initiatives that promote a healthy work-life balance. If the company provides opportunities for wellness at work (e.g., green spaces, meditation rooms, gym memberships) as many companies are now doing, all the better.
• Equal Opportunity: A positive culture recognizes the value of diversity and promotes equal opportunity for all employees regardless of their race, gender, age, or background.
• Career Growth Opportunities: A workplace that values its employees will invest in their professional development and provide opportunities for growth, whether through training programs, mentorship, or promotions.
• Teamwork: A strong workplace culture fosters a sense of teamwork and collaboration rather than competition among employees. This can lead to increased creativity, efficiency, and overall job satisfaction.

How Do You Evaluate Workplace Culture?

All this is well and good, but how can you determine if a company has a good work culture if you don’t actually work there? Here are a few ways to find out:

• Do some research beforehand. Read the company website and pay attention to its mission statement and core values. Is there language in the website that suggests the company takes care of its workers?
• Ask questions about the work environment in the job interview. As a job seeker, it’s essential to remember that the interview process is a two-way street. While you’re showcasing your skills and expertise, you’re also evaluating potential employers to find the right fit. This means asking insightful questions about the company’s values, team dynamics, and support systems. Don’t be obvious by asking, “Is this a good workplace culture?” Instead, ask something like, “What is it like to work here? What does the average day look like?” Pay attention to the interviewer’s answers and use your intuition–not just hearing what they say but how they say it. If the answers come across stiffly, it may be a bad sign. If the interviewer appears warm and relaxed, that can be a good indicator.
• Listen to people who work there. If you know people in the company, ask them about their day-to-day work experience. If you don’t know anyone, websites like glassdoor.com enable employees to leave anonymous reviews about companies they work for.

A job is more than just a series of tasks—it’s part of your life’s journey. By prioritizing a healthy, positive work environment, you’re setting the stage for a career that’s not only successful but also deeply satisfying. Remember, your career path is a marathon, not a sprint. Choose a work environment that nurtures your growth and reflects the values you hold dear. By doing so, you’re not just finding a job—you’re discovering a community where you can truly thrive.

As always, if you need some guidance in finding and landing a job you love, I’m here to help. All you have to do to get started is schedule a no-obligation free consultation with me. Just click on my calendar here to schedule yourself a time.