Have you ever had a great job but the wrong fit? You liked what you did but didn’t fit with the group, your work style wasn’t valued, and you felt like an outsider most of the time?
It makes it hard to want to go to work when that is the case. You don’t feel valued or valuable. You know you can make a difference, but it doesn’t feel like you are.
Finding the right cultural fit in the workplace is just as crucial as the job’s responsibilities or benefits. When you’re in sync with your company’s culture, you’re likely to feel motivated, fulfilled, and engaged. On the other hand, working in a culture that conflicts with your values or preferred style can lead to stress, disengagement, and hating your job.
Instead of wondering what you should do, ask yourself these questions:
- Do You Share the Company’s Core Values?
Ask Yourself: Do I believe in the company’s mission and values?
If your company values teamwork, creativity, and diversity, and you are motivated by these things, you’re likely in a good cultural match. But if you feel disconnected from the values your company promotes, it might mean the role is not aligned with what truly matters to you.
For example, if your company prioritizes speed over quality, and that conflicts with your values, you may find this disparity frustrating over time. If your company says they are family-oriented but don’t understand needing personal time or attending a school event, you’re in the middle of a values mismatch.
Signs to Look For:
- You feel proud to talk about your company’s values.
- Your company’s mission resonates with your beliefs.
- You notice a strong alignment between personal and company values.
Consider Moving On If: You consistently feel that the company’s values clash with your beliefs, making staying engaged and motivated difficult.
- Is There Open Communication?
Ask Yourself: Do I feel comfortable voicing my opinions and asking questions?
A company with open communication allows employees to speak up without fear of retaliation. If you can express concerns, share ideas, ask for help when needed, or share when there are issues, you’re likely in a healthy, open culture. However, if communication feels one-sided or you sense a lack of transparency, you may begin to feel isolated and undervalued.
Signs to Look For:
- Your team encourages diverse perspectives and listens actively.
- Managers give and receive regular, constructive feedback.
- Information flows transparently across levels and departments.
Consider Moving On If: Communication is limited, with decisions made behind closed doors or feedback not encouraged. This could lead to mistrust and a feeling of exclusion.
- How Are Work-Life Balance and Flexibility Handled?
Ask Yourself: Do I have enough flexibility to balance your work and personal life?
A strong and healthy workplace culture understands the importance of work-life balance. If you’re working long hours, can’t take your vacation time, constantly checking emails after work, or facing inflexible and unreasonable work arrangements, it might be a sign that the company’s culture doesn’t prioritize employee well-being. Will they tell you you can’t take your annual family vacation due to an important deadline? Are you expected to check in while you are on vacation? It is common for you to have colleagues call you on weekends and after hours even when you are not expected to be available then?
Signs to Look For:
- You have access to flexible work options, such as remote work or flexible hours.
- Managers support time off and mental health days.
- You are encouraged to use your vacation and not treated like your vacation in an inconvenience to everyone else
- You don’t feel pressure to work outside of business hours regularly.
Consider Moving On If: The workload or inflexibility makes it difficult to manage your personal commitments or if you feel burned out due to unrealistic demands.
- Does the Company Encourage Growth and Development?
Ask Yourself: Am I learning and developing in my role?
Your job requires you to always learn, and your company needs to support your growth and education, especially if that is important to you. If you’re in a growth-oriented culture, there will likely be clear career paths, professional development opportunities, and encouragement for learning. Companies that invest in employees’ growth demonstrate they value long-term commitment. A lack of these opportunities, however, can indicate a stagnating culture.
Signs to Look For:
- There are opportunities for promotion, training, and skill development.
- Managers regularly discuss career goals and progression with you.
- You feel challenged and motivated to grow within the company.
- You are being given opportunities to stretch your skills (even at the volunteer level).
Consider Moving On If: You’re not learning or progressing in your role, and there’s no indication that growth opportunities will emerge (or promises for this to happen, yet always an excuse when it doesn’t). If you are expected to pay for all your own training, use your vacation days for any training you attend, and are not encouraged to develop new skills, your company is not prioritizing your value.
- How Does the Team Handle Conflict?
Ask Yourself: How are disagreements handled in the workplace?
A healthy workplace culture addresses conflicts constructively, where all parties feel heard and work towards resolution. If conflict is avoided, ignored, or becomes toxic, it can harm team morale and personal well-being.
Signs to Look For:
- Conflicts are addressed professionally, with clear communication.
- There is a culture of respectful disagreement and compromise.
- Teams prioritize collaboration and unity despite challenges.
Consider Moving On If: Conflicts are frequent and handled poorly, or there’s a toxic work environment that management does little to address. If your company has a high-profile employee who is “allowed” to get away with mistreating or bullying others, they prioritize one person over a healthy workplace culture.
- Do You Feel Connected to Your Colleagues?
Ask Yourself: Do I feel a sense of belonging here?
A strong workplace culture fosters connection among team members. If you enjoy working with your colleagues and have a sense of camaraderie, you’ll likely feel more satisfied. But if you feel isolated or sense that you don’t fit in with the team, it might be worth considering if this is the right place for you.
Signs to Look For:
- You feel comfortable and are included in the workplace community.
- There’s mutual respect and teamwork among peers.
- The culture allows for authentic interactions and connections.
Consider Moving On If: You feel disconnected or believe your personality and approach are misaligned with the team’s dynamics.
Deciding to leave a job based on cultural fit isn’t easy, but staying in a position that doesn’t align with your values, communication style, and preferred work environment can affect your well-being and productivity.
When it isn’t a good fit, it doesn’t feel good at work, and when you think about going to work. You feel angry and resentful and make excuses for not performing at your best.
I used to speak annually at a conference that I enjoyed. The organization’s culture changed as leadership changed, and I felt resentful and not valued at all for what I offered. I had to decide if I wanted to continue going. I enjoyed the people; I enjoyed delivering presentations, but I felt like I was being restricted and that they were doing me a favor. Looking at the changing culture, I realized I was no longer a good fit. It wasn’t personal; it just wasn’t where I could do my best work. So I don’t speak there anymore.
It wasn’t an easy decision. I knew some people would be disappointed, but in hindsight, it was the right decision for me. Look at these questions to see how you feel about the answers.
If the answers to several of these questions lean toward dissatisfaction, consider speaking with a trusted mentor, seeking advice from a career coach, or exploring other job opportunities where the culture might better match your needs.
You are in charge of your satisfaction. Instead of complaining, take charge.
This article was written by Rhonda Scharf and not by artificial intelligence.
