Identifing workplace cultures

For a look at workplace culture in action, watch these short videos (Taylor, 2014) about what it's like to work at several companies, including Zappos, which is known for its nontraditional work environment and employee retention. Workplace culture encompasses all aspects of the workplace: the required uniform or dress code, the language and demeanor used to communicate, the length of lunch breaks, vacation time, the benefits package, the actual working conditions, and the company-provided extras or perks (free-lunch Fridays, onsite daycare, flex time, and so on). It also captures the motivation for working, how people are treated, and the formal and informal hierarchy. It is important to understand culture and how to assess it when interviewing or searching for job listings so that you can find a good match that benefits both you and the company.

To learn more about workplace culture, you will research and identify qualities you would like to find in a workplace after graduation. Once you have identified these characteristics, look for examples of this culture in your profession, but keep in mind that your profession might affect what workplace perks are available to you. For example, if you work with computers, it may be easy for your workplace to let you work from home one or two days a week. On the other hand, if you work in a service profession or a trade that requires large or specialized equipment, working from home probably won't be an option.

Kick-start your research by looking in the B&SC virtual library to find the article, "Changing the Workplace Culture atFlinders University Library: From Pragmatism to Professional Reflection" (Hall, 2015).

Here are some other sites you might find valuable for industry research:

• Hoover's database of corporate records
• Glassdoor's company reviews

Research workplace culture. Locate three articles about workplace satisfaction and culture, in general, to get a better understanding of how those concepts affect the way companies hire and the way job candidates hunt. These articles do not have to directly relate to your profession, although that is a bonus. Good search strings for locating these articles might include "top companies to work for," "highest work satisfaction," and "workplace culture and workplace satisfaction."

Think about what you want. Based on what you learned in Step 1, consider your ideal workplace environment. Identify the aspects of workplace culture that matter most to you and compile a list of five to ten characteristics for your reference.

Research your profession's culture. Now, put these culture traits to the test and see whether you can find them in your profession. Search for articles relating to the types of workplace culture you are likely to find in your new profession. For example, you might want an open-office, a free lunch program, telecommuting options, worksitedaycare, or flexible scheduling. Identify three workplace culture traits of your profession that overlap with your own list from Step 2.

You might have to search news articles, company profiles, or company websites in your profession that highlight the type of workplace culture you can expect to find. If you are having difficulty, try searching first for your profession's likely workplace culture and then identify three realistic traits you want to find.

Write up your findings. In at least 250 words, summarize the top three workplace culture traits you found and have a realistic chance of finding in your profession. You must cite your research examples and links to articles.