There are many factors to consider when changing jobs. Some popular examples are salary, working hours, and work-life balance. But have you considered company culture to be an important factor? Company culture is important and should not be overlooked in the job changing process. The culture of a company is the company’s personality. It defines the environment in which the employees works. Assessing a company’s culture can include evaluating the working environment, company mission, values, ethics, expectations and goals. Researching company culture can give you insights as to if a company is a good fit for you.
THE IMPACT OF COMPANY ON YOUR CAREER
Company culture can influence various aspects in your job changing process as well as your career in the long-term. It is important that a company’s values and needs align with your own so that you and the company can mutually benefit from each other. The culture will affect how you will transition into your new position and how you will perform and grow within the company. Examining how the company views the working environment, work-life balance, professional development, and the overall employee well-being can give you insight as to how satisfied you will be in your new position.
JOB SATISFACTION
Job satisfaction stems from doing meaningful work in an environment that values their employees. The aspects of company culture that have the highest impact on employee satisfaction include the work environment, support systems, and mission and value alignment. A company that cultivates these aspects can lead to increase in productivity and employee retention.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS
A positive and healthy work environment can lead to an increase in productivity within the company. Employees who feel comfortable and supported at work are tend to work harder than those who do not. Organizations with an engaged culture experience a 15% increase in employee productivity. If a company places a high value on the culture of the workplace, the productivity will follow.
Additionally, the work environment includes the professional relationships that occur inside and outside of the office and mission and value assignment. It can reflect how a company interacts with their clients but also, more importantly, how employees interact with each other.
It also gives insight as to how a company manages internal and external conflict. Coworker relationships and recognition of work creates a sense of belonging in the workplace and is important in the satisfaction of an employee.
VALUE ALIGNMENT
When company and employee values align it creates a sense of purpose which translates into meaningful work. 73% of purpose-oriented people are satisfied with their jobs and experience 64% higher levels of fulfillment in their work. Employees who experience fulfillment in their work are less likely to leave their company leading to an increase in employee retention rates. Likelihood if a job turnover at an organization with high company culture is 13.9%, whereas the job turnover in low company cultures is 48%. Remaining at a company longer creates opportunity to grow and move up within the company. When your values align with that of the company’s it allows the further mutual development.
Tips for researching about a company’s culture:
Do your research about the companies you are interested in. Visit their website and look up any online reviews about the company from clients and current/former employees.
The end of an interview is a perfect opportunity to find out about the culture of a company. When presented with an opportunity to ask questions, keep these in mind:
“How would you describe the company’s culture?”
“How much work is done independently and as a team?”
“Can you explain what the daily schedule is like for the position I am applying for?”
Additionally, the benefit packages that companies offer can also reflect what their values are.
Key Takeaways:
Company culture should be a factor you consider in the job changing process.
Examples of company culture include working environment, company mission and goals, values, ethics, and expectations.
Understanding a company’s culture can lead to an increase in your job satisfaction.
Meeting with a recruitment consultant can help in making sure you work for a company whose culture compliments you.
