It’s easy to be drawn to a job by all the above enticing perks. After all, who doesn’t appreciate these little extra comforts that can make our workdays a tad more enjoyable? However, it’s crucial to recognize that while perks can add a layer of comfort to your work life, they don’t fundamentally define what it’s like to work at a company.

Real company culture is a far more profound and intricate concept. It’s about the underlying values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape the work environment. True culture is reflected in how the company treats its employees, how it values their opinions, and how it fosters a sense of belonging and diversity.

True culture means:
1) Actively listening to employee feedback and taking action.
2) Encouraging individuals to take well-deserved time off without making them feel guilty.
3) Wholeheartedly celebrating diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
4) Fostering trust and maintaining transparency throughout the organization.

When considering a new job, it’s crucial to look beyond the surface-level perks and assess the actual culture of the organization. A fantastic benefits package might make a job enticing, but if the culture is toxic, it can lead to dissatisfaction and burnout.

I’ve personally been down that road, thinking that great perks equated to a great culture, only to be disheartened by the reality.

I once had a manager who was adamantly against taking leaves, both for himself and our team. Even when he reluctantly approved leave requests, he had a knack for making us feel guilty about it, often implying that we shouldn’t be taking time off.

One vivid memory stands out: a newly hired employee from another team had meticulously planned a 15-day vacation abroad. When our ever-gossiping boss got wind of it, he warned that if the company owners found out, they might terminate the employee. Not only that, but this manager also spread negative comments about the employee to their peers and us, their subordinates. It created a toxic atmosphere, making employees hesitant to take well-deserved breaks and undermining trust and camaraderie within the team.

P.S.: I encourage you to engage with this message by hitting the like button and reposting it with your network. Let’s spread the word about the significance of a genuine, healthy company culture.