What is Company Culture?

If you are looking for a long-term career in the green industry, choosing a company with a great workplace culture is important. A positive workplace culture is important because it attracts talent, drives employee engagement and retention, impacts happiness and affects performance. Simply put, a company that invests in company culture attracts good employees and keeps them employed and happy longer. When looking for a long-term job, determining employee happiness should be important to you when selecting a new job.

How Companies Can Create A Positive Culture

There is no one set way to create a positive culture. For example, companies that are large in size may be able to offer larger team activities such as a baseball game outing where as a smaller company may offer a team bbq at the work shop to show their appreciation for employees. Activities are not always necessary for employee happiness. Company owners and supervisors taking a moment to ask about employees family from time to time or working along side them on a job can also help employees feel valued.

Below are examples of what some employers do to create a positive workplace culture:

• Team outings (sporting events, recreational activities)
• Holiday parties
• Team building exercises
• Management take an interest in employee personal life
• Performance bonuses
• Internal promotions
• Employee feedback surveys
• Team cookouts
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Learning development opportunities
• Volunteering opportunities
• Company perks (company vehicle, cellphone, etc.)
• Employee referral bonuses

How Do I Know If A Company Has A Positive Culture?

Before you apply for a job, do your research. Do an internet search for companies you are thinking to apply to. Often companies will post on social media or do press releases on team outings or volunteering opportunities. Ask friends if they have heard good things about the company. Look online for employee reviews on sites such as glassdoor or indeed. Finally, look on the job posting to see if they list any of the above examples that help create a great workplace culture.

Ask About Company Culture At The Interview

At the end of a job interview, ask the interviewer about how they try to implement a positive company culture. Doing so shows you take a deep interest in the company and long-term employment.

Below are some example questions you can ask:

• How long/was the last person in my position employed for?
• Does your company believe in a positive workplace culture and if so, why?
• Does your company hold team building activities or outings?
• Are there paid professional learning development opportunities?
• Are there volunteering opportunities within the company?
• Are there any employee ambassador or peer training practices in place?
• Why should I work for your company?

Ensuring you will be happy at your new job is key to a successful career in the green industry. A positive culture will allow your employer to value your company contributions and you feel appreciated.