Connecting...

Corporate Company Culture

Make Sure You’re The Right Fit – How To Assess A Company’s Culture

Adobe Stock 89565039

As an old saying goes you cannot fit a square peg in a round hole so before you take that job offer, ask yourself- ‘Is this company somewhere I can truly picture myself?’

 

You need to work in an environment that you look forward to being in everyday, an environment that inspires you to do the very best you can do. A positive company culture that suits you will drive your passion to succeed whilst fueling your ambition and determination to climb to the top of whatever cooperate ladder you belong to. Otherwise, it will be the cause of you wishing with every bone of your body as the 7am alarm buzzes on dark winter mornings, that you could go back to sleep.

 

Here’s some things to do see if you are aligned with the culture of a company you may be looking to work for:

 

1. Do Your Research

Find out as much about the company as you possibly can. Have a creep around their website, LinkedIn and Facebook accounts. Accounts or threads on boards.ie or Glassdoor can also be very useful for behind the scenes gossip but be very wary of them and take them with a pinch of salt as they are anonymous comments and we have no idea as to the honesty, profile or past experiences of the commentator.

 

2. Values & Goals

Values determine behaviour and decisions so it is important that an employer’s and an employee’s values match. If you do not agree with the values the company complies by, the work load and even minute tasks will prove to be difficult for you. When we as employees cannot comprehend or agree with the values of a company the decisions we make will be out of alignment with the company’s current practices and that will cause a whole lot of extra work and stress, which nobody needs. Your vision for the future should also match where the company aims to go. There is no point accepting a job when you have no interest in what the company itself is aiming to build.

 

3. Work Environment

If you are not fortunate enough to know someone already working there, use your interview to assess the work environment and way in which the company works. Some of you may be social butterflies who can work in an open plan office chatting the day away whilst still meeting your goals and deadlines. More of you may prefer a quiet space where you can put your head down, get your work done and scurry off before having to interact with anyone. Also do not forget that in your interview the employers are also assessing whether you would be a good cultural fit for their company or not. Some questions you could take the opportunity to ask the interviewers may include:

  • If you could describe the company’s culture in three words what would you say?
  • Are the work hours strict or do you offer flexibility?
  • If lucky enough to get this position what type of office environment would I be in?
  • Is there reward structures or incentives in place?
  • How would you describe the work culture on this team?

 

4. Social

Does the company’s present culture fit in with your lifestyle? Perhaps everyone in the office is an avid sports fan but you cannot tell a football from a tennis racket, or maybe the only out of work activity on offer is drinks in the local bar on a Friday night when you need to be at home with the kids. If social activities are important to you to get to know your colleagues and to also help you meet that work life balance that is congruent with positive mental health you need to make sure the social benefits and activities the company works around suit you and at the very least appeal to you!

Finally let me tell you to listen to your gut! You more than likely got a feeling from the interviewers, present employees you passed in the hallway or even the receptionist at the front door as to what the atmosphere in the company is like and if you received warm, welcoming vibes that’s usually a good sign. Think about what you want, what type of workplace will work for you and just go find it! Maybe you are looking for flexible hours, need incentives to reach targets or seek a social club to build relationships with your colleagues, either way the company with the perfect culture for you does exist. You just have to relax and take the time to find it. So now, when offered your next position instead of accepting it right away based off its six figure salary (hey we can dream) take the time to consider is it really a good fit for you?

 

Posted by Ruth Tobin, Marketing Executive Sigmar on 1 December 2017

Related Content

Image 2023 05 10 T19 00 05

The Power of Work-Besties: Building Engaged and Productive Teams

The Power of Work-Besties: Building Engaged and Productive Teams

Fostering friendships in the workplace can significantly enhance employee engagement. Creating a positive and supportive environment where individuals feel valued, understood, and motivated; will lead to a happier and more productive workforce. The Impact of "Work-Besties" on Employee EngagementThe notion that having friends at work can positively influence employee engagement may seem intuitive, but the magnitude of its impact is truly remarkable. Research from Harvard Business Review suggests that employees who are happy at work and have at least one close friend there are up to seven times more engaged in their job. This statistic highlights the profound influence that work relationships can have on an individual's motivation and commitment to their work.When employees develop genuine connections with their colleagues, they experience a greater sense of camaraderie, trust, and mutual support. These friendships create a positive work environment, where individuals feel valued, understood, and appreciated. As a result, employees become more invested in their work, exhibiting higher levels of enthusiasm, dedication, and overall job satisfaction. ​The Business Benefits of "Work-Besties"Beyond the personal advantages that work friends bring to employees, organisations stand to benefit significantly from cultivating these relationships. Engaged employees are not only happier in their roles but also 23% more profitable and 18% more productive than their disengaged counterparts. These numbers make a compelling case for companies to actively encourage social connections within their teams.By fostering an environment that encourages meaningful relationships, organisations tap into the powerful synergy that arises from engaged teams. When employees feel connected to their peers, they are more likely to collaborate, communicate openly, and share knowledge, leading to increased innovation and problem-solving capabilities. Moreover, work-besties act as a support system during challenging times, providing emotional support, encouragement, and motivation, which ultimately contributes to higher resilience and job performance.​​The Pandemic's Toll on Work RelationshipsThe Covid-19 pandemic and hybrid working have had a profound impact on work relationships. With many employees working remotely or in a hybrid fashion, the traditional avenues for building work relationships have been disrupted. The lack of face-to-face interaction and the physical separation of teams have made it harder for employees to connect and build relationships. The hybrid working model has also brought new dynamics to work relationships, with teams having to navigate a mix of in-person and virtual interactions. Ultimately, the pandemic and hybrid working have highlighted the importance of intentional efforts to foster connections and build meaningful work relationships, whether in-person or virtually.​​Building Engaged Teams: The Key IngredientsCreating a workplace culture that fosters connection and belonging requires deliberate effort and a genuine commitment from both employees and employers. Here are some key ingredients to consider:Encouraging social interactions: Organisations can organize team-building activities, social events, or provide communal spaces where employees can interact informally. These initiatives create opportunities for employees to get to know each other on a personal level and build meaningful connections. Promoting a collaborative environment: Foster a culture that emphasises collaboration and teamwork. Encourage cross-functional projects, promote open communication, and recognize and reward collective achievements. This approach not only strengthens relationships but also enhances overall team performance.Investing in employee well-being: Recognise the importance of work-life balance and create policies that support employee well-being. Encouraging breaks, offering flexible schedules, and providing access to wellness programs can help foster a positive work environment and strengthen relationships among team members.Lead by example: Managers and leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone for workplace relationships. By prioritising and demonstrating the value of interpersonal connections, they can inspire employees to cultivate meaningful bonds with their colleagues. By creating an environment that nurtures connection and belonging, organisations can harness the power of engaged teams, unlocking their full potential and reaping the rewards of a thriving workforce.​
Banner Default Image

10 Ways to Improve Your Wellbeing At Work (Workplace Wellbeing Day 2023)

10 Ways to Improve Your Wellbeing At Work (Workplace Wellbeing Day 2023)

​Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be a challenge, but it’s essential for your overall wellbeing and productivity. There are many ways to improve your wellbeing at work, and you don't need to make drastic changes to your lifestyle. Here are 10 ways to improve your wellbeing at work this National Workplace Wellbeing Day (Fri 28th April 2023):Take regular breaks: It's important to take breaks throughout the day, as it allows you to recharge and refocus. Try to take short breaks every hour, and take a longer lunch break to give yourself time to relax and recharge.Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water throughout the day is crucial for your wellbeing. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and other health problems. Keep a water bottle at your desk and sip water regularly throughout the day.Get up and move: Sitting for long periods can be harmful to your health. Try to get up and move around every hour, even if it's just for a few minutes. You can take a walk around the office, stretch or do some exercises at your desk.Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving your overall wellbeing. Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises to help calm your mind and reduce stress.Eat healthy snacks: Ideally avoid snacking between meals if possible, but if you are snacking choose nutrient-dense snacks that contain a good source of protein - some nuts paired with fruits, and vegetables. Make sure to avoid sugary and processed snacks.Prioritise tasks: Prioritising tasks can help you manage your workload and reduce stress. Start your day by identifying the most important tasks that need to be done, and focus on completing them first.Set boundaries: Setting boundaries can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Be clear about your working hours, and try to avoid checking work emails and messages outside of these hours.Connect with colleagues: Building positive relationships with your colleagues can improve your job satisfaction and overall wellbeing. Take the time to connect with your colleagues, whether it's by having a chat over lunch or attending social events.Learn new skills: Learning new skills can help you feel more engaged in your work and improve your job satisfaction. Look for opportunities to learn new skills or take on new challenges at work.Take care of your mental health: Mental health is just as important as physical health, so make sure to take care of your mental wellbeing. If you're struggling with stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues, don't hesitate to seek support from your employer or a mental health professional.​Small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference in your overall wellbeing and productivity. Try incorporating these 10 tips into your daily routine, and see how they improve your work-life balance and wellbeing.
Image 2023 04 24 T16 48 59

Sigmar appoints Mike McDonagh as new COO

Sigmar appoints Mike McDonagh as new COO

Sigmar Recruitment has today announced the appointment of Mike McDonagh as COO of the company.Mike is a highly respected industry leader with a significant pedigree in scaling successful recruitment businesses both in the UK and in Ireland. Prior to joining Sigmar in 2020, Mike oversaw the growth of Hays Ireland as its Managing Director. Mike also currently serves on the board of Boardmatch, Ireland’s national corporate governance charity.​L-R: Mike McDonagh and Frank Farrelly​ Welcoming Mike’s appointment, Frank Farrelly, CEO at Sigmar Recruitment said: “I am thrilled to appoint Mike as our new COO. Mike joined Sigmar over 3 years ago at one of the most challenging times facing into the Covid-19 pandemic. In that time, he has proven to be a great leader in the business, embracing our culture and improving the service we provide to our candidates and clients.  I look forward to working with Mike and the team to continue delivering world class recruitment solutions and supporting international diversification in Groupe Adéquat." ​Mike McDonagh commented; “In the 3 years I have been with Sigmar, the company has shown up to be everything I hoped for and more.  I’m honoured to have been given this appointment and I look forward to helping the entire leadership team continue to grow and expand Sigmar for our colleagues, clients, candidates and communities.  It’s an exciting time to work in recruitment and with Sigmar’s values and culture, we are ideally placed to achieve new heights both in Ireland and overseas.” ​Massive Congrats Mike!​
Aw1 8880 230227 Sigmar Recruitment Copy

Sigmar Recruitment Announce Frank Farrelly As CEO, Adie McGennis to Step Into Executive Chairman Role

Sigmar Recruitment Announce Frank Farrelly As CEO, Adie McGennis to Step Into Executive Chairman Role

Today, Sigmar Recruitment announce that our co-founder and current CEO Adie McGennis will step into the role of Executive Chairman, and our Chief Operating Officer, Frank Farrelly will become Sigmar’s CEO.​Frank has been with the multi-award-winning recruitment company since it opened in 2002, serving as COO since 2011.  He is a former President of the Employment & Recruitment Federation (ERF) and currently chairs the steering group for the Apprenticeship in Recruitment.   On his appointment Frank comments: “I’m really excited to continue my journey with Sigmar.  I look forward to working with our great team to continue our story in Ireland and around the globe ensuring all our clients, candidates and community stakeholders get the best of Sigmar. I’m excited to lead the company into its next phase of growth as we further our momentum in the marketplace.” ​Frank Farrelly’s appointment was announced and warmly welcomed by current CEO Adie McGennis who will move into the role of Executive Chairman and will have a continuing involvement in the business focusing on international projects for parent company Groupe Adéquat.During his time as CEO McGennis led Sigmar to significant growth becoming the largest organically grown recruitment firm in Ireland before its strategic merger with Groupe Adéquat in 2018. This impressive baseline sets Farrelly up to continue solidifying Sigmar as Ireland’s leading recruitment agency. “I am delighted to be staying on as Executive Chairman and thrilled that Frank is formally taking the CEO role. Frank is an industry legend and his leadership from day one and into the future, brings exciting times for Sigmar, nationally and internationally,” says McGennis.​All the team wish Frank and Adie every success in their new roles. Massive Congrats!