How to Recognize a Healthy Work Culture

Your job doesn’t exist in a vacuum. You complete your duties within an organization, dealing with coworkers and higher levels of management. Basically, that’s what defines culture. Finding a healthy work environment boosts your career and makes your life easier.

A strong culture doesn’t just create a more pleasant day of work. It also invigorates your performance. One study compiled by Bain Capital showed that workers who feel more inspired experience a productivity boost of almost 125%.

With a healthy culture, you’ll get more done and enjoy yourself more. How do you find these ideal professional environments? Here are a few tips that will allow you to recognize a healthy workplace culture.

Clear Priorities

Strong workplace culture starts with a coherent vision. The company should clearly define its priorities and explicitly state its goals. That way, you can understand how it forms its policies and how it wants to treat its workers.

Words and Actions Match

Companies usually know what to say when it comes to culture. Managers mouth the right phrases in team meetings and the company hangs clever slogans around the office. But do they back this up with actions?

A well-communicated vision represents the first step. From there, you should look at the firm’s day-to-day behavior. Make sure they back their stated priorities with consistent action.

Strong Teamwork

Strong culture starts at the top. But the frontline workers live it from day to day. Does management’s vision carry over to the employees?

Consider how your coworkers react to the company culture. If you see widespread buy-in from those around you, it suggests a deep commitment to those values.

Lack of Toxic Office Politics

Without a strong culture, office dynamics turn sour quickly. A strong culture might be hard to define. But a toxic culture is usually obvious. If the dynamics within the team turn poisonous, that often points to a rot in the overall culture.

Workers Respect Management

Don’t just look at how workers react to each other. See how they relate with management as well. Trust between different layers of a firm breeds long-term success. Watch for signs of mutual respect and collaboration.

People Stick Around

High turnover is a sign of a broken culture. Sure, other issues (like low salaries) can also play a part. But few things will send people to the exits faster than a noxious culture.

How long have veteran employees been with the company? If you find people who have been there for years (or even decades), that’s a sign that the company knows how to treat employees. On the other hand, aggressive turnover likely points to deep cultural issues.

Don’t just chase paychecks. Your professional development relies on finding the perfect workplace for you. Trust SmartTalent to put you in the ideal situations to succeed.

Contact SmartTalent today to find the corporate culture that best suits your skills and background.