How to Assess a New Work Culture When Starting a New Job
Starting a new job can feel a bit like stepping onto a stage mid-performance—you’re surrounded by established rhythms, inside jokes, and unspoken rules. Beyond mastering your new role, there’s the bigger challenge: figuring out the culture of the organization you've joined.
Culture isn’t written in the employee handbook. It lives in the spaces between policies and behaviors. It’s in how decisions are made, how people treat one another, and what truly gets celebrated. Assessing this culture early can make or break your experience. Here’s how to decode the nuances of your new workplace.
1. Observe Communication Patterns
Meetings: How are meetings run? Does everyone have a voice, or do a few people dominate? The way teams communicate says a lot about inclusivity and respect.
Slack or Emails: Pay attention to tone. Are messages concise and professional, or casual with emojis and GIFs? Do people respond promptly, or is there a lot of ghosting on threads?
Leadership Communication: How transparent is leadership about company goals and challenges? Transparency often correlates with trust.
What to ask yourself:
Do I feel comfortable expressing my ideas in this communication style, or will I need to adapt significantly?
2. Analyze Relationships and Hierarchies
Cross-Team Collaboration: Are departments siloed, or do teams actively collaborate?
Manager-Employee Dynamic: Observe how managers interact with their teams. Are they approachable and empowering, or do they micromanage?
Peer Connections: Do colleagues seem genuinely supportive of one another, or is there visible competition and tension?
What to ask yourself:
Are the relationships here driven by genuine collaboration or just transactional necessity?
3. Understand What’s Valued (Not Just What’s Said)
Recognition and Rewards: What gets celebrated—numbers on a board, innovative ideas, or acts of kindness?
Workload and Boundaries: Do employees look burnt out, or is there a balance between productivity and well-being?
Decision-Making: Who has the power? Is it concentrated in a few hands, or does leadership value diverse inputs?
What to ask yourself:
Do these priorities align with my values and my definition of success?
4. Pay Attention to Onboarding
The onboarding process offers a sneak peek into the company’s culture.
Resources Provided: Were you given clear guidance on your role, tools, and team dynamics?
Introductions: How were you welcomed into the organization? A thoughtful onboarding reflects a culture of inclusion and care.
Access to Support: Were you connected with mentors or colleagues who can guide you?
What to ask yourself:
Does this company seem invested in my success, or was the onboarding process an afterthought?
5. Listen to the Unsaid
Sometimes, the loudest insights come from what isn’t said.
Avoidance: Are there topics people tiptoe around, such as diversity, turnover, or leadership?
Body Language: During meetings, are employees engaged and energetic, or is the vibe tense and checked-out?
What to ask yourself:
Am I hearing honest dialogue, or does silence hint at bigger issues beneath the surface?
6. Engage Your Network
If you’re feeling stuck, lean on your professional network for perspective. Ask peers outside the company if they’ve heard anything about its culture. Sometimes, the most valuable insights come from those on the outside looking in.
7. Trust Your Instincts
Your gut reaction often knows the truth before your brain does. If something feels “off,” take time to explore that. Ask questions, seek clarity, and evaluate whether this culture will help you thrive long-term.
Remember: It’s a Two-Way Street
While you’re assessing the culture, you’re also shaping it through your actions and contributions. Set the tone you want to see, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.
Key Takeaway:
Workplace culture isn’t just what’s written on the walls; it’s what happens in the hallways. Starting a new job is your opportunity to not only assess the culture but to determine if it’s a place where you can grow and contribute meaningfully. Pay attention, ask the right questions, and be honest with yourself about what you discover.
Let’s normalize taking culture as seriously as compensation and job titles when evaluating a workplace. After all, a great culture isn’t just good for business—it’s good for humans.
