Toxic workplaces are not always easy for job candidates to identify before they accept the job offer and begin work. In the excitement of interviews, organizations often put on their best faces, and candidates might overlook some subtle signs that a business lacks a supportive culture that puts workers' needs first.
In the era of the Great Resignation, more job applicants than ever are on the hunt for employers that can provide an accommodating and compassionate culture to its staff. To help job applicants connect with the best organizations - and to help organizations understand what top talent is looking for - here are some of the best indications that an employer has its cultural priorities in order:
Fast, Effective Communication
Communication is the most important element of any workplace - indeed, it is easily the most important skill for any individual worker. Fortunately, the quality of an organization's communication abilities can be determined long before a worker launches into a new role. Job hunters should pay close attention to the wording of application materials. If vital components like job descriptions and qualifications lack clarity, it might be a sign that a company lacks interest in maintaining strong communication with its workers.
Additionally, job candidates should consider how the organization communicates throughout the recruitment process. How long did it take the company to respond to a submitted application? Does a member of the organization always reach out when they say they will? Are the messages they send comprehensible, or are they vague and puzzling? Poor communication is a red flag that job applicants should pay close attention to, as it signals that a company likely does not have a supportive and productive workplace culture.
Office Organization
When a job candidate visits a new workplace for the first time, they need to pay close attention to the work environment. How an office - or any other workspace - is organized says much about the workplace culture. For example, a ping-pong table situated prominently in the lobby indicates a different corporate atmosphere from a building cluttered with closed-off cubicles. Job candidates should take note not only of how desks and offices are organized within the space but also how workers are navigating the space. If any element of the office organization is off-putting to a candidate, it might not offer an ideal workplace culture.
Schedule Flexibility
Thanks to the pandemic, almost all workplaces have seen the benefit of offering flexibility to their employees. The opportunity to work remotely, from the comfort of one's home, allows employees more control over their mental health and their work-life balance. Still, many old-fashioned business leaders are keen on maintaining total control over their workforce, which often means compelling workers to come into work in person. If a job advertisement is not clear about the availability of flexible scheduling, applicants should ask their contact at the company. The best company cultures offer schedule flexibility to all workers, regardless of rank.
Turnover Rates
Leaving a job is difficult; workers need to go through the hassle of acquiring a new position or else risk weeks or months of unemployment, and both prospects involve large amounts of effort, insecurity and stress. Thus, if a company has appallingly high turnover rates, in which large numbers of employees are leaving in search of other opportunities, job candidates can be almost certain that the company culture is poor.
During interviews or after, candidates might try to connect with employees who are leaving or have already left to better understand why turnover rates are high. It might be that leadership neglects to show appreciation for their workforce, forgetting employee anniversary recognition and other important milestones. Then again, it might be that the company does not promote from within, so leaving the organization is the only option for advancing one's career. By talking to workers, candidates might at least develop more realistic expectations for their tenure with this organization.
Employment Awards
One of the best ways to determine that an organization has an attractive workplace culture is through employment awards. Businesses can earn awards from various institutions, like the U.S. Small Business Administration or Forbes. Typically, these awards will be displayed prominently in company marketing materials, so job candidates should know when they are applying to work at an award-winning culture.
No worker wants to waste years mired in a company culture that is bad for their mental, physical and professional health. By using these signs of good and bad corporate culture during the application and interview process, all job candidates can move toward positions that will be positive into the future.
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