How does remote work affect the culture of a company? The significance of a strong company culture.
Let’s figure this out.
Based on a recent poll by Jobvite, more than half of remote workers (52 percent) consider corporate culture as important in a remote work scenario as it is in a traditional office environment. Therefore, when assessing a job offer, it is crucial to consider not just the pay, responsibilities, and other conditions, but also the company culture in which you will be working.
The definition of “corporate culture”
A recent survey uncovered that an overwhelming majority–94% of corporate owners and 88% of job seekers–acknowledge the importance of a positive work atmosphere in achieving company success. This result highlights the crucial role that a corporation’s culture and shared values and rules about conducting business play in creating an environment that drives success.
Companies with a strong corporate culture…
- Attract high-quality candidates.
- Establish communication channels between the company’s top management and the rest of the employees.
- Companies should promote professional growth for their employees.
- Foster an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
- Balance your personal and professional life.
In a conventional office setup, recruiting and retaining employees is primarily determined by the effectiveness of the company’s culture. However, when employees are based in various regions of the world, the significance of having a sturdy and united corporate culture becomes more vital.
Hannah Fleishman, Director of Employer Brand and Internal Communications at HubSpot, stresses that it is insufficient to simply discover an organisation where one can perform a job; instead, job seekers should look for a company where they can genuinely make a difference and thrive.
Individuals who are remotely hired do not have the chance to engage with interviewers or co-workers in-person. Without the advantage of interacting personally, it can be challenging for remote employees to comprehend the company’s culture and principles.
While conducting a remote interview, how can you learn about the company’s culture?
Before the pandemic, candidates could learn about an organisation’s culture through personal meetings, tours of the workplace, and observing the company’s internal operations. However, under the present conditions, it can be difficult for potential candidates to precisely evaluate a corporate culture from a distance.
Before accepting a job offer, take into account these five innovative approaches to assess its culture:
Conduct a thorough internet search.
If you were a job seeker and had been invited for an interview, whether in-person or online, what would be your first step?
To gain a complete understanding of the company, it is recommended to conduct extensive research. This entails utilizing search engines such as Google to locate the company’s website and social media accounts, as well as examining any available reviews. In addition, it is worthwhile to browse through videos on YouTube, press releases, and other news articles related to the business. By engaging in this research, you can gain a better understanding of the company.
Undoubtedly, it is critical to complete the steps mentioned above. However, it is also advised to consult other review websites such as Glassdoor, Mouthshut, TrustPilot, and more. These platforms allow present and former employees to offer their assessments on numerous topics ranging from the company’s management style to the quality of the coffee in the office. Exploring these resources may provide you with additional insights into the company and its operations.Maximise the use of LinkedIn.
In terms of online platforms geared towards business and employment, LinkedIn is the indisputable leader. It provides a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about a particular company, its operations, personnel, and culture. Additionally, browsing a company’s LinkedIn profile allows for a better understanding of its history and core values. Armed with such comprehensive information, businesses and job seekers alike can make more informed decisions.
The “Home” page provides a means for customers, employees, and followers of the company to access messages and articles published by the company. This page offers insights into how the company interacts with its clients, making it an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the company’s customer service approach.
Moreover, our own company has an “about us” section that provides a comprehensive overview of our organisation. The “jobs” section also lists current job openings within our firm. Additionally, the “people” tab allows users to filter our employees by location, educational background, and department.
Establishing connections with current employees of the company prior to accepting a job is strongly recommended. If you have any questions about the company, feel free to reach out to them.
Further insights into the experiences, connections, and positions of key executives within the company can be obtained by researching their professional backgrounds. This research can help determine whether top management is aligned with the same values that guide the company.
Looking at employee profiles can provide insight into their tenure within the company. In a positive work culture, employees tend to remain with the organisation for longer periods of time.Evaluate the company’s DE&I (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives
The goal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) training in the workplace is to cultivate an equitable and supportive workplace for all employees, regardless of their cultural background, gender, or racial identity. A healthy corporate culture is reflected in a diverse and inclusive work environment. Research has shown that three-quarters or more of employees regard diversity as a critical factor in their decision-making process.
To accurately assess a company’s success in implementing their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) strategy, it is crucial to conduct a thorough examination of their DE&I programs. This should include a review of their recruitment practices and initiatives aimed at attracting and promoting individuals from underrepresented groups. Furthermore, it is important to analyze the company’s efforts to hire and cultivate a diverse workforce, as well as evaluate their DE&I policies.Ask questions to the interviewer.
Before the interview, it is crucial to conduct research about the company’s culture and work environment to prepare engaging and thoughtful questions. This approach will provide the interviewer with a better understanding of the candidate’s knowledge of the organization and their interest in the role. Moreover, it is recommended to make the most of the interview by asking specific questions that will help the interviewer assess the candidate’s qualifications for the position, instead of asking general questions like “Can you describe the company’s work culture?”.
- What methods can a new employee use to familiarize themselves with the company’s policies and procedures?
- What strategies do remote workers use to collaborate and communicate with each other?
- What steps can we take to cultivate an inclusive work environment where individuals from underrepresented groups feel valued and respected?
- What are the thoughts of remote workers regarding their job security?
- What is the approach to offer feedback to remote workers?
- Is it possible for employees to take part in virtual celebrations for holidays and events?
- What opportunities are available for remote workers to progress in their careers?
Be aware of company-wide celebration arrangements.
Research has shown that incorporating festivities in the workplace can boost productivity and morale. Taking time to acknowledge accomplishments as a team has been found to be beneficial in fostering happiness, productivity, and employee morale. Celebrations in a remote work setting gain even more significance. If you are interested in how your potential employer celebrates special events, it is advisable to check their social media accounts.
These parties can be linked to
- Commendation of company and employee work anniversaries
- New team members joining
- Victories and achievements accomplished by employees
- Meetings of teams
- Events honouring ongoing topics and concerns like International Women’s Day, World Environment Day, LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and more.
Conclusion
For job seekers, it is valuable to devote sufficient time and energy to comprehend the company they aim to work for. It is vital to ensure that your values align with the organization’s values, irrespective of the position you are selecting for.
Upkeeping employee contentment, a beneficial balance between work and leisure, and an intimate bond between management and staff are all results of a company that maintains a positive corporate culture. Such a culture fosters employees to feel acknowledged and esteemed, along with satisfaction in their work. It also propels a feeling of togetherness and coordination among staff, along with trust and mutual respect between management and the workforce.
Joining the team at Works is a wonderful chance for individuals looking to work with a team that highly regards its employees. Works has been recognised as one of the leading startups to work for in the United States for two consecutive years by Forbes, an achievement that highlights the company’s excellence.
Works is a remote-first organisation that prioritises connecting exceptional software developers with businesses seeking to hire them. We aim to simplify and expedite the remote hiring process for both businesses and developers. Our skilled and experienced team is dedicated to helping businesses locate the ideal remote developer for their requirements, and to assisting developers in finding the perfect job that matches their abilities.
FAQs
How much can a company’s culture be inferred from its employees?
The ideal method to comprehend a company’s culture is through- Conducting thorough research online
- Utilising LinkedIn to your advantage
- Questions asked during the interview
- Assessing the company’s initiatives to foster diversity and inclusivity
- Discovering the events organised for the entire company
What are the ways to leave a lasting impression during a phone or video interview?
- Strive to appear presentable in a professional environment.
- Dedicate adequate time to researching the company.
- Ensure your desk has a neat background.
- Organize your notes and keep them readily available.
- Respond to questions confidently.
- Prepare a set of inquiries to ask the interviewer before the interview.
