Organizational Culture: How to Find a Job That Will Make You Happy
Unveiling the Significance of Workplace Culture
Organizational culture is the unwritten heartbeat of an organization, the DNA that defines how it thinks and operates. It is, if you wish, a workplace’s personality. Its reach extends far beyond business metrics. It is the key factor influencing employee wellbeing.
A positive culture will engage you in the work more deeply. It will motivate you to achieve your potential. It will compel you to grow personally and professionally. In short, culture and not the work you do, is the primary contributor to your happiness in your job.
Understanding Organizational Culture: It’s More Than Just a Workplace
Organizational culture is a complex mosaic of several factors. These include the organization’s values and mission, workplace policies, how employees behave, and, of course, leadership style. It is the combination of all these factors that gives an organization its uniqueness.
The spectrum of cultures ranges from the fast-paced, innovative culture of tech startups to the formal, process-oriented culture of traditional corporations.
When searching for a job in which you will be happy, it is crucial to join an organization that embodies the type of culture in which you will thrive. A culture that aligns with your personal values and style of working.
Why Job Satisfaction Isn’t Just About the Paycheck
Financial incentives are important, but it is the workplace environment that truly influences job satisfaction. It is this that shapes your perception of work and the value you bring to the table.
When you overlook the need to work in an environment that energizes and motivates you, you overlook the inherent need to be happy in your work. You’ll end up with a job that bores you. When you must travel to work each day in a workplace that saps your energy, your mental health will suffer. So, too, will your productivity. You’ll feel unfulfilled and unhappy. This is not good for you, your career, or your life outside of work.
The Journey of Finding the Right Fit: Your Values and the Company’s Culture
Aligning your personal values with those of an employer is like finding the key that opens the lock. With the door opened, you’ll feel more motivated. Your performance will improve. You’ll be more satisfied in your work and in your team.
Therefore, the place to start is to know yourself:
- What is it that drives you?
- What values do you hold above all others?
- What is your personal mission in life?
- What type of colleague do you work best with?
Only when you know yourself can you find an employer that aligns with you.
Decoding Company Culture During Your Job Search
So, how do you find the right-fit employer?
It’s crucial to do your research. Take note of job descriptions. Look for clues about organizational culture on the company’s website. Does the organization emphasize collaboration, professional development, work-life balance, and employee recognition?
Moving on, recognize that the job interview is not only an opportunity for the employer to assess your compatibility, but also your chance to evaluate organizational culture. Uncover valuable insights about workplace environment by asking targeted questions. These might include examples like:
- How does the organization support your professional development and career growth?
- Is risk-taking encouraged, and what happens when people fail?
- What’s one thing you would change about the company if you could?
By asking targeted questions, you can uncover invaluable insights about the work environment and organizational values.
How to Adapt Once You’ve Landed the Job: Thriving in a New Organizational Culture
No matter how hard you try, there will always be some gap or discrepancy between an organization’s cultural climate and your own preferences. Therefore, when stepping into a new role you are likely to experience a period of cultural acclimatization.
To integrate into a new culture and become a valued member of your new team, you’ll need to observe, learn, and gradually adapt to the organization’s workplace norms and values. Don’t be afraid to seek support from colleagues. Starting a new job is a major life transition – to succeed, it requires patience and open communication.
Fostering a Positive Work Environment for Better Wellbeing
As society evolves, so, too, should an organization’s culture. This isn’t something that is done to you. As an employee you can, and should, play an active role in advocating for change and a healthier workplace environment. Your words and actions contribute to the collective wellbeing of your team and the organization’s workforce.
Cultivating Your Happiness in the Right Job Culture
To sum up, there’s an interplay between your job, an organization’s culture, and your happiness and wellbeing. The right job in the wrong culture can be disastrous for you. The right job in a culture that aligns with your values can set you on the road to professional growth, job satisfaction, and personal happiness.
This is why it is crucial to not only find the right job for you, but one that is with the right organization for you. Which is where we come in. At TECHEAD, we have helped thousands of candidates find their ideal role with their ideal employer. You see, matching isn’t just about skills and experience. It’s about personality, personal values, and achieving long-term growth and happiness. It’s what we do best.
Are you unhappy in your work? Do you want a role that makes you happy? A job that makes you excited each day? Do you want to work for an organization that energizes you and makes you proud to be part of the team?
Submit your resume to TECHEAD, and let’s talk about your future.