Often people come to us for advice who already know what they would like to do. And then they discover that the corporate culture also contributes to satisfaction in everyday working life which there where previously not aware of.
In this article we want to focus on the facets and characteristics of a good corporate culture: How do you recognize a good / cooperative / appreciative corporate culture?
Before we turn to this point, however, it makes sense to first look at ourselves: What is really important to me in relation to my work environment, my work role and the corporate culture?
Find out what you want
In order to find answers more easily here, the assessment sheet on the career environment and the evaluation help (taken from Svenja Hofert)*. Through this questionnaire you can reflect your needs and preferences in relation to the corporate culture and you get a “classification” whether you are the “type” for a family career, dynamic career, conventional career, etc.
The clarity about your own needs and requirements makes it easier in the next step to find out whether a company suits you. Then it is clearer for you personally what to look for when choosing a future employer.
How do you recognize the corporate culture?
How do you find out what makes the company tick? The goal here is not to be blinded by the self-presentation of the company to the outside with the inspiring company goals, etc., but to look behind the facade. What does the culture, the collaboration, the leadership really look like and do they meet my requirements?
The website can provide important information:
- Are there any support or training programs for employees?
- Are employees introduced?
- Is it kept up to date?
During an on-site interview, it's worth keeping an eye out for
- What does the furniture look like? (at the reception and especially in the offices – is there a big difference?)
- Is modern technology used?
- How do the employees talk to each other?
- What is happening at the non-verbal level of communication?
- Can the employees express themselves individually? (Desks, clothes, etc.)
- What is the (office) atmosphere like in general?
- Are you received with respect, kindness and preparation?
Find out worthwhile information:
- What is the fluctuation rate?
- Why is the advertised position vacant?
- Are there university graduates? Is it possible to have a career within the company? Are there any examples?
- For foundations / NGO’s: Are there enough project funds or is everything financed through grants and funds that have to be applied for separately?
- Are there enough employees?
- When new locations are opened: is that well prepared and organized, or are the employees suddenly left without desks
- Does the company practice foresighted communication with their employees – for example restructuring, personnel savings or expansion of business areas?
If you want to find out more about the company during the interview, you can ask, for example:
- What goals will you primarily pursue with your company in the next few years?
- What future perspective does this position offer?
- How do I get trained in the beginning
- What are the usual working hours?
- How do they measure whether employees are achieving their goals?
- How are employees rated?
- What kind of training is available in your company?
- Which three values are really lived in your company?
- If your company got an entry in Wikipedia, which fact would be emphasized?
If you have obtained this information from various sources – about yourself, the Internet, a visit on site or friends and acquaintances – the crucial question arises: How important is the corporate culture in which you work? Does this company really suit you?
Ultimately, it is not just the salary and the job that make up job satisfaction, but also the culture, the relationships in which you work. It is advisable to classify the importance that these have for you personally and to include them in the decision for or against the company.
