When Cpl was recognised as one of Ireland’s Best Workplaces recently, it reminded me that not everyone is as lucky as we are. It is not always easy to find such a great workplace.
Everyone works in order to earn money but you can, and should, strive for more. Happiness in work is worth far more than money. That happiness will be different for everybody, it might be a working for a company that allows you to train, upskill and explore opportunities, it could be a company that is flexible with its work schedule, or it could simply be working with the right team.
When you are considering a new role, ask yourself:
“Can this company improve me and can I improve this company”
A few questions to help your decision:
How does this company measure success?
The true measure of success is how much you’re learning within your new company. This is learning about your clients, your market, your business, and yourself. It’s not about learning what you couldn’t possibly have known beforehand. Make sure you understand what success in your role looks like to your employer and understand how that fits with your personal goals. Make sure that your development and the company’s growth fit together, that way you will always be moving in the same direction.
Who would my colleagues be?
Having friends at work can contribute powerfully to your ability to focus, deal with setbacks, improve your performance and up your salary. Friendship is the single most overlooked factor when it comes to building an extraordinary workplace. You can’t plan to work with amazing people but you can look out for company cultures that fit your personality. Pay close attention to the social media accounts of companies you want to work for and be aware of the atmosphere at offices you attend for interview. You can tell a lot by the ‘feel’ of an office.
Why does this role matter to the growth of the company?
Making work meaningful can add energy and enthusiasm to your workplace; it can help deliver results. It’s no coincidence that workplace happiness and work satisfaction are often used as synonyms. The sense of satisfaction you get from the successful completion of a project, both as an individual and as part of a team, will help you to connect with your work and get more out of it.
What are the core values behind this company?
Core values are your company’s “commandments”, and is the foundation for making sure everyone is on the same page. The best companies will use these values to inform everything they do, from setting strategy to hiring the right people. If the employer has a defined set of core values make sure you understand how they fit with your personal and professional goals.
You will have your own ideas about what makes a great workplace, and your own criteria for finding one. However, if you make sure that you’re joining a team and workplace where you fit in and can make a difference, you will go a long way to finding your perfect place to work.
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