What is Company Culture?

Once you begin your search for new jobs, you would mainly take into account such as the job’s title, salary range and company benefits. Besides the 3 main factors, you can also look into the organisation’s culture to determine if you would enjoy working in a specific environment. Searching for a company culture that perfectly fits your work style can be helpful in terms of building up your productivity and success in your job.  

 

What is company culture?

Company culture is the company’s values, ethics, vision, behaviours and work environment. These traits make up how unique the company is, and it affects everything from public image to employee engagement and retention. If employees can appeal towards the company’s ethics, vision and various work cultural elements, it can positively improve a company’s overall outlook. Companies known for its company culture will produce high workplace morale, highly engaging and productive employees. In terms of job search, you can look up for the company culture in the mission statements of the corporate’s webpage.

 

Types of company culture

Company culture varies from one organisation to the other once you start your research, you may be able to determine which company is the right fit and aligned with your core values.

 

1. Team-first company culture

Companies that emphasise on team-oriented employees hire for culture fit first, followed by expertise and experience. An organisation comprised of a team-first company culture focuses on employee satisfaction as its top priority. Monthly team activities, opportunities to provide valuable feedback, and flexibility to accommodate employees personal life are the main focus of a team-first culture.

2. Elite company culture

Companies that adopt elite culture tend to focus on making changes to the world through innovation. An elite company culture only hires the best because they strive for optimal results and desire to be competent in going beyond the traditional limits. Most organisations that adopt an elite culture desires for meaningful contribution in their fields, which can be a great motivator for employees that wants to be proud and satisfied with their efforts.

3. Horizontal company culture

Relatively common culture in a startup setting in which job titles and roles are aligned in the same level among all employees. This helps to promote a collaborative setting where everyone is open to pitch-in their ideas. Most of the communication among employees and upper management can be engaged directly instead of relying on emails and memos. 

4. Conventional company culture

Conventional cultures are mainly adopted by traditional companies, meaning strict dress codes and established hierarchies. Businesses such as banks and law firms embody these traits. This traditional work culture may not appear to the younger generations, which can lead to resentment and lack of passion due to strict micromanagement from the management. That being said, more traditional companies are looking to embrace the newer generations by adopting new communication and collaboration with the rise of social media.  

5. Progressive company culture

Mergers, acquisitions or any sudden changes in the industry all lead to progressive culture. This environment provides employees with the opportunity to redevelop their roles, goals and mission statements. If you are highly adaptable towards new changes, adopting new ideas, the progressive company culture might just suit your work style. While the sense of uncertainty in the company’s future direction can lead to many concerns among employees, a major change can also be a great opportunity for employees to address the current challenges and expectations in their current position for the future outlook. For employees that embrace change sees it as an opportunity to improve themselves and explore new avenues. 

 

Signs of an organisation that possess great company culture

An organisation that promotes positive culture can elevate employee’s passion at work, improves work productivity which leads to better company performance. Here are signs of a positive company culture that you can look out to decide where to work:

 

1. Positive feedback from the employees: Look into the employee’s feedback on job sites and social media to gauge the reputation of the company. 
2. Good pay and great employee perks: While many companies do provide perks to employees. It’s best to look for practical perks that benefit employee’s wellbeing such as development programs, performance bonuses and free membership activities. 
3. Promoting fun and engaging workplace: Companies that strive to cultivate a friendly and supportive workplace by celebrating successes or even team-building activities are something any employees would look forward to. 
4. Organising social events: Companies that organise social events, parties and outings to promote engagement, as well as bonding over shared values, are great for employees. This can help boost morale and strengthen the relationship between everyone.
5. Open to employee’s feedback: Companies that are open to employee’s needs, ideas and opinions can help establish a productive and more cohesive working environment. Most of all, it makes employees feel valued at work.
6. Encouraging open communication: Embracing an open culture in the workplace can help encourage employees to share their ideas and constructive discussions. Helping people feel inspired and motivated is a great approach towards improving employee satisfaction.
7. Flexible work hours: Companies that offer the choice to employees to choose their working hours generally have a better productive and satisfied workers. We all enjoy a sense of freedom and flexibility while at work so that they can arrange their schedule to accommodate other responsibilities and appointments.
8. Managing and providing goals: Employees are likely to retain their position within the company if they are satisfied with their jobs and feel like their career is advancing professionally. Companies that help and support their employees’ personal goals is one of the greatest company cultures that any people strive for. 

 

What is your take on company culture? Leave us your thoughts on the comment sections below. Head over to Jobstore.com and unveil your next job opportunity.

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