Positive Company Culture: Why It Matters and How to Find It
This April, I was knee-deep in the interview process for my current position at a Lansing-based public relations agency. In my final interview, I was given the opportunity to meet with the agency’s entire team. For thirty minutes, all eyes were on me as I answered and distributed questions for and to the entire Piper & Gold team.
I’ve been through a lot of job interviews in the past: virtual and in-person, one-on-one and in groups. But I had never come in contact with an employer that involved their entire staff in the hiring process. Doing so gave me the sense that these people genuinely wanted to get to know me - not just my skills - before giving me an offer. So, from the beginning, that was always the difference with Piper & Gold: their company culture.
Essentially, company culture is how an organization operates. It’s the way meetings are held, conflicts are handled, tasks are delegated, and so much more. When a workplace’s culture is positive, employees are often more productive, retention rates are higher, and the organization as a whole is more successful. According to research reported by Forbes, 88 percent of employees believe that a distinct company culture is important to an organization’s success. Now, with that being said, how can you know that you’ve found a positive company culture?
You’re making genuine connections.
In a positive workplace, your relationship with your coworkers doesn’t start and end with the work you’re doing. Instead, your employer gives employees the space to participate in regular bonding activities, take an hour to meet a coworker for coffee, or invite the office to birthday parties or bridal showers. When you’ve been given the chance to form meaningful bonds with your coworkers, communicating and collaborating during working hours becomes easier and more enjoyable.
Your humanity comes first.
A supportive employer understands that we’re all human, and work doesn’t always take precedence. In the PR industry, sometimes work can feel grueling, intense, and seemingly never-ending. With long and intensive hours, burnout is real, and people need breaks. When a company understands that fact, it can be life-changing for your mental health.
You’re collaborating with your team, and your ideas are valued.
Rather than a few senior staff members making all executive decisions, in a positive work environment, the ideas of the entire staff are often valued and considered. Asking for the larger group’s thoughts or recommendations makes everyone on the team feel included and appreciated.
You feel appreciated for the work you’re doing.
It’s true: employees who know they’re valuable work harder. Personally, receiving a compliment at work makes my heart soar. It reminds me that my work is important and I’m contributing to the success of the company as a whole. Simply sending your employees a “good job” message or an “I really appreciate you” email can be more meaningful than you know.
While workplace culture can look different from business to business, it’s important to keep these ideas in mind when applying for your next job or evaluating your current one. Are you valued for the work you do? Are you connected to your coworkers? When you’re operating within an organization that appreciates you and the work you do, it can make a world of a difference in your professional life.
About Rebekah
Rebekah is an incoming senior at GVSU majoring in advertising and public relations and minoring in writing. She is the VP of Public Relations for GVSU’s PRSSA chapter and serves as an Account Executive for GrandPR. She works as a PR Student Strategist for Piper & Gold Public Relations and as a Social Media Assistant for the GVSU Alumni Association. In her free time, she enjoys reading, being outdoors, or spending time with friends and family.