Unlocking Success: Navigating Workplace Culture
- Unlocking Success: Navigating Workplace Culture - October 18, 2024
Picture this: it's a sunny Sunday afternoon, and you're feeling happy and relaxed. But then, thoughts of Monday start to creep in. How are you feeling? Are you excited for the week ahead, or are you already dreading the next day? Monday doesn’t have to be the villain of your week. With the right workplace culture, it can be just another day—or even one you look forward to!
With that in mind, let’s dive into the concept of workplace culture. According to Forbes, it’s defined as “The shared values, belief systems, attitudes, and the set of assumptions that people in a workplace share.” Workplace culture can differ greatly from one environment to another, and military culture is in a league of its own. In the military, culture is shaped by decades of traditions, wars, battles, and leadership, which have defined the way each unit operates. Every aspect—whether it's the job or occupation, duty station, leadership, or command—contributes to how each person experiences and perceives that culture. Think back to that commander or senior leader you either admired or struggled with; they played a key role in shaping your view of military life. How did the culture change once they left the unit? 
Culture can be hard to identify, to adjust to, and even more difficult to enter into. Being a veteran or military spouse is a unique culture compared to civilian life. Learning how to dress for corporate culture from the military can even be challenging. As someone transitions from their military career to civilian employment, it is pivotal that they understand and adapt to new cultures.
“The quest for a culture that aligns with one's values becomes all the more critical. My experiences have taught me the importance of due diligence when considering new opportunities. Researching a company's culture, understanding its leadership style, and identifying the presence of any red flags or deal breakers have become non-negotiable aspects of my job search. I look for companies that not only talk about values such as integrity, accountability, and transparency but also demonstrate these values in their daily operations.” -Stephen, Hire Heroes USA Client
Identifying workplace culture can be crucial for understanding the values, norms, and overall atmosphere of an organization. Here are some tips to help you identify workplace culture:
- History– Company culture is built from the start, with leaders shaping the values, ethos, and overall culture of the organization. Once a strong and successful culture is in place, it typically remains consistent and doesn’t change much over time.
- Company Values- Start by researching a company’s mission and vision statement, which often reflect its core values. You can typically find this information on the company’s website, particularly in the ‘About Us' section, or by reviewing any press releases and corporate responsibility reports. Understanding these values will give you insight into the company’s culture and priorities.
- Structure– How is the company structured, who will you report to and what does the career ladder look like?
- Social- Research the company's social presence. What do they value posting about, and what initiatives outside their main business do they highlight?
- Ask Questions- You can engage with employees through LinkedIn networking or during an interview. Example questions:
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- What makes you proud about working for this company?
- How would you describe the culture and how does it differ across departments? Does that play a role in promotions or leadership?
- What is the turnover rate like and is it a competitive culture?
- Is it a collaborative effort and how do they celebrate success?
- What challenges do you face in your role and how do you receive support?
- Describe the work-life balance and how the company values employees.
- Check out Hire Heroes USA’s Interview Success Guide for additional interview tips.
Understanding workplace culture is key to finding a job that aligns with your values and sets you up for success. Whether transitioning from the military or navigating a new industry, doing your research and asking the right questions can make all the difference in ensuring your new environment feels supportive and aligned with your goals. By taking the time to learn about a company’s culture, you not only improve your chances of thriving in your role but also position yourself for long-term career satisfaction.
Matt Kohler is the Alumni Program Manager at Hire Heroes USA. If you’re ready to find your next chapter but need help getting there, contact your Transition Specialist, log into your MyTrak, or register at www.hirehireosusa.org to be assigned a Transition Specialist. Hire Heroes USA provides personalized job search assistance to veterans and military spouses, completely free of charge, thanks to the generous support of our funders. Whether you’re transitioning out of service or navigating the civilian workforce, we’re here to help every step of the way.