When looking for the perfect workplace, there is always a multitude of things we need to question upfront: from the salary and the working hours to the benefits that are offered. The list goes on, and it tends to vary a lot depending on the job on the agenda. Everything needs to be said loud and clear before rushing into any decision.
One of the factors that should always be considered is the company’s corporate (or organizational) culture. In case you’re unfamiliar with this term, Mary K. Pratt and Ivy Wigmore define it as:
“The collection of values, beliefs, ethics, and attitudes that characterize an organization and guide its practices.”
In other words, a company’s corporate culture can be described as the series of principles and behaviors an organization bases itself on. How harmoniously a group of people can work in unison.
In most cases, the company’s culture will ultimately settle whether their employees feel comfortable and pleased within the offices’ walls, or not. After all, who would like to be part of an organization that serves as a focal point for endless confusion and work-related dysfunction? Exactly, the answer is no one.
Unfortunately, these places can sometimes disguise themselves as healthy environments, and more often than not, they end up soaking us up. Like a siren on the rocks, luring sailors to their demise, some may add. So, is a paycheck worth the constant toll of working for a company with a toxic culture? I don’t think so. That’s why we created the following list that’ll help you identify those red flags even before you set foot on any of those places:
Signs of a Bad Corporate Culture:
- There’s no set list of core values. One may think that this isn’t as alarming as it sounds, but how is a business supposed to achieve success without its main impetus? To check ours out, you can click here.
- A management that doesn’t set an example. Easier said than done, of course, but a manager should always reflect what they want from their employees. Respect, good decision-making and communication skills, empathy, and focus are some of the attributes every supervisor needs.
- Unhealthy competition is encouraged. I mentioned it before, and I’ll mention it again: yes, the modern-day business world can be ruthless, and, extremely competitive, but that doesn’t mean that everybody’s out for your throat these days. The collaboration will take you further than the competition does.
- Gossip reigns amongst the office’s halls. It can’t possibly be stressed enough how unprofessional gossiping is, especially when it comes to a bunch of adults gathering around the water dispenser just to discuss how tacky Monica’s baby shower might have been. Breaking news: we shouldn’t care.
- Lack of communication between departments. Although this issue is listed last, it may be one of the most worrisome. Nothing’s more frustrating than not having your message heard. If you’re unhappy, you need to talk about it openly. In a toxic workplace, HR representatives would be M.I.A, or just plainly ignoring your calls.
Lucky for us, there’s more than one example of how a company carries out its activities. Some of them do care about their employees’ well-being. Now that you know what to avoid whenever you go looking for a new job, here are some of the things you should actively look for!
Signs of a Good Corporate Culture:
- Clear company vision, mission, and values. An articulated, well-thought-out, and realistic company statement can go on miles. It doesn’t only help consolidate organizational effectiveness, but it can also inspire employees to reach their goals.
- An empathic workplace. It isn’t difficult to understand how beneath every impressive (or not so impressive) job title and professional achievement, we stay as sentient beings that are capable of relating, experiencing, connecting, and believing. Cultivating compassion and making use of our listening skills can help encourage even the least enthusiastic person in the office.
- Make friends, not foes. Some people still see coworkers as the direct opposite of actual friends, but why is that still the case? When you spend 8 hours a day confined within a multitudinous workspace, you might as well get to know the person who works next to you! If that doesn’t work out, then try reaching out for the one that comes next. As author and researcher Tom Rath once mentioned:
“When I speak with people who love their jobs and have vital friendships at work, they always talk about how their workgroup is like a family.”
- Opportunities to grow within the company. If we’re ambitious, we’re always searching for an opportunity to improve. Some places may give us that chance, some others won’t. Feeling stuck in a position you’re not happy with gets old very fast, and what are we supposed to do if not look for another job that will value our efforts?
- A workplace that values our opinions and suggestions. Alright, suggestions are a synonym for “maybe we can work on this a little bit better…”, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it should be seen as a critique. Some of the greatest input on how to improve one of the company’s procedures can come from the employees themselves. They are the ones who have to make use of, and/or be subjected to said processes, after all.
Ok, we have the models of two different companies: one with a deficient corporate culture, and another one with an adequate one. Which one would you like to be a part of? The answer is a no-brainer! Of course, you’d choose the latter. Who wouldn’t? That’s why here, at Freelance Latin America, the comfort and happiness of our Freelancers always comes first.
Our CEO, Randy Rosales, firmly believes in the integration of win-win deals as a way to keep both our clients and our Freelancers satisfied. Ever wondered what a day at our office looks like? You can check it out here.
If you’re interested in joining a skilled and talented team that values corporate culture, send your résumé here and wait for us to get in contact with you. Keep an eye out on our social media to be updated on all of the positions available!
See more articles by Jenaro Perdomo.
