The influence of corporate culture on choosing a job

Following the huge impact of the pandemic, company culture has become an even more significant issue in the realm of job-hunting and recruitment. It is not uncommon for organisations to highlight their ‘positive working environment’ when advertising or showcasing their ‘value-driven’ practices and methods of working when communicating with potential employees. But how important is company culture to candidates? And how is this perception shaping the recruitment process?

In days gone by, a competitive salary and a sexy role title may have been enough for a candidate to take the plunge, but studies now show company culture is one of the leading factors when it comes to attracting new candidates.

The Recruitment Report Survey 2022 found 76% of workers consider the culture of a company before committing to join. The trend is even more pronounced among Millennials and Gen Z, with 86% of workers aged between 18 and 34 stating they actively research company culture before committing to a role.

In many ways, this increased focus on how a company operates daily can be attributed to a positive shift in the relationship between employees and employers. A spirit of collaboration and co-creation is rippling through the world of work. Employees are seeking a balance between work and home life; employers are prioritising the mental wellbeing of their staff and seriously considering the long-term needs of employees. With these needs being valued and prioritised, employers are investing in the longevity of the workforce and protecting the physical and emotional health of every member of their teams.

So what kind of things are candidates searching for? It is easy for businesses to overlook the fact that every interaction they have with staff and the ‘outside world’ shapes the culture of their company. When we break it down, everything has an impact: from the salary and benefits staff receive; to social and sporting activities organised by or for the team; to how it appears and presents itself across social media.

The evidence of a company’s culture is visible inside and outside the business, and impossible to ignore. Candidates in the modern world have a unique opportunity through digital technology to ensure that they are a good fit with a potential employer and in Jersey they can verify their conclusions through friends and contacts.

With social media making the world of work less opaque and digital marketing forcing workplace environments into the spotlight, there are a few things that can make a brand stand out from the rest. Research has shown that transparency is the best policy for new candidates in search of greener pastures. 81% of job seekers state that an unrealistic or unclear job description would put them off applying for a job, believing it shows an organisation is unclear about its vision and puts unnecessary pressure on candidates. 53% of candidates also noted how important it is for a company to consistently express its values through job descriptions and digital platforms.

With evidence like this, it’s clear that candidates are framing their decisions with a much higher weighting towards culture and values, trying to ensure their work/life experience is enjoyable and rewarding.

As the world moves forward, it seems that the days of employees being seen but not heard may be disappearing. The modern workforce is demanding a change, expecting more, and enjoying the fruits of a new kind of labour. Workplace culture matters, a positive environment is a must and company values have never had more power. As businesses scramble to attract and retain their employees we can hope for a future of happy employees, loyal workforces, and super satisfied staff members.

Data from the Recruitment Report Survey 2022, The People First Culture Series, Edition 2, Sep 2022.