Company Culture – Understanding How I Fit

Culture is the foundation of what a company stands for. It defines how employees interact with one another and how they live out their workday. 

It’s a shared mindset of values and beliefs, and where they see the company going and what they're doing to help get it there.

A positive workplace culture has open communication, meaningful work, and strong core values. Every company’s culture lives, breathes and evolves. It’s so important to be part of an organization that is alive and is evolving. Read on to find out why.

Why is workplace culture important?

Employees that care about company culture, and their relationship with it, can experience a huge increase in their motivation, inspiration and productivity at work. Having a strong connection to an organization and its people creates an atmosphere of positivity that is hard to ignore. When you don't adjust well to the culture, you are more likely to become disengaged, feel unsatisfied in your work and more likely to leave.

Culture transforms your company into a team. It brings people together and keeps them aligned. Different perspectives come together with a common purpose. It sets expectations for how people behave and how well they function as a team. It can break down the barriers between departments and guide decision-making. It helps you work together with purpose.

How do I find a company with a good culture?

You may be wondering how to determine aspects of a company’s culture without working there. Don’t wait until you’ve been offered a job to look into it, start while you are job hunting. It’s key to know if your own values and beliefs will align with the cultures of companies that interest you.  

First, look at their mission, vision and values on their website. Do these beliefs and values align with your own? Do you believe in the company’s mission and purpose?

Next, spend some time on company review websites, such as Glassdoor and Indeed. It’s important to know how current and past employees view the organization and its culture.

Then, check their blogs and social media channels for updates, events and overall messaging. Look for key words that describe a healthy culture, such as supportive, rewarding, teamwork, challenging, fun and friendly.

How do I ask about company culture in an interview? 

You can start even before the interview. Multiple perspectives are valuable. When the recruiter is setting up your interview, get to know the culture through them. Ask what they like about working there and how they’d describe the company culture.

During the interview, ask culture-related questions such as “What does success look like here?” or “What are some traits you look for in a successful candidate?” Find out if employees are given a chance to share their opinion and feedback. You know your opinion is valued if they are open to hearing it.

Ask about their onboarding process. Onboarding that includes orientation, training and performance management programs help new employees access the right resources and better transition into their roles. It’s a great way for companies to ensure new hires understand the core values of their business, and that promotes longevity and loyalty.

Then consider all of the information and answers that have been shared with you. Do the answers align with the culture you’re looking for?

How will I know I fit in?

Doing your research and asking questions to see how your day-to-day work impacts the business, helps you to understand how you fit into the organization’s future plans. If you feel the answers are the right cultural fit for you, your personality and needs, you can then “see” yourself fit into that organization. If the company has recognition as part of their culture, studies show that you are ​​5 times as likely to see a path to grow at that organization. Having a culture that makes you feel secure and appreciated in your role, ensures that you are a fit, and a fit for a long time to come.

Find your perfect fit at Knute Nelson

The key words above that describe a healthy culture, all can be found at Knute Nelson. We are a company that is supportive through scholarships for education advancement. We offer a rewarding environment through positive resident and team experiences. We have a strong foundation of teamwork that lives throughout our facilities and divisions. Our day-to-day work life is challenging in a positive way where we learn from each other. We LOVE to have fun and experience it often through daily interactions, activities and events. Our team is friendly and is committed to enrich the lives of everyone they serve.

Be part of a healthy culture that is alive and evolving. Join us at knutenelson.org/careers.