Lilypie

Tuesday, August 8, 2006

Of Good Company Culture

I thought my company would have a half day today, but that is not the case. We still have to work a full day. Come to think of it, the government teaches us to be patriotic and love our country, yet we are not even given full or half a day off on the eve of our country’s birthday?! :-(

Once again, the big flag is hanging over my driveway, in spite of all the renovation and scaffolding around my house. Is it my imagination or do I see lesser flags this year? It used to be when flags decorated the windows of flats and apartments, but somehow the feeling of patriotism is no longer there.

After the various interviews I have attended, in big companies, medium companies, small companies, established companies, and “obscure” companies, I have thought of the “perfect” type of company culture from my observations.

Generally, bigger and more established companies will have a better culture, more structured system and prospects for growth and development. Obviously, the pay package and benefits are better.

Employees can get a better starting salary, with bigger bonuses, more annual leave, medical and dental benefits, training and upgrading opportunities, and wider gain in knowledge and enrichment. Employees are more specialized in their area of work.

Which is why I like to work in a big company. Most of them function on five-day work weeks, and they really believe in balancing work and family life, instead of selling your life to your work alone. Besides, if I ever leave, it will look good on my resume and other employers will have a better impression if I have worked in an established firm.

The only downside to working in a big established company is that employees must perform beyond expectations, and the bosses normally have very high expectations.

Besides, being in a big company may face more politics and bureaucracy, so there will be lots of red tape to go through to get anything done, which ultimately takes a long time and the level of efficiency may drop. That probably explains why the big company has not gotten back to me regarding my job offer.

Small companies, on the other hand, are messier. Some do not have a proper system or structure. Due to this, everyone multi-tasks. One may need to take on the role of a manager, human resource executive, accountant, financial controller, supervisor, etc. One ends up doing everything.

Employees may get to learn more, but they do not become really specialized. Besides, working in a small company may not have as much annual leave, salary, bonus and benefits. There may also not be much welfare and prospects as well.

But the environment may be cosier and more homely, since small companies consist of a handful of people the most. And there may not be as much politics and bureaucracy as compared to a bigger company.

Medium companies seem to be in between, not as bureaucratic and political as a big company, but not as laid-back as a small company. I have worked in all – big, medium and small companies, and I still like it best in a big or medium company.

Whatever the culture, I guess it all depends on the companies themselves how they want to adapt the culture and policies. And it also depends on how adaptable employees can be.

A good and successful company, in my opinion, is one that gives the employees a sense of security, belonging and happiness, that employees are willing to stay and passionate about the work.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Keep up the good work »

Katleen Garcia said...

Some employees may be satisfied with the time spent working, while some feel more productive when working extended hours. Thus, as mentioned previously, employees should consider approaching their employees to understand their needs. Encouraging breaks through break-out rooms, spare desks for quiet times and longer lunch breaks are also good ways to encourage flexibility in the workplace. Read: creating a physically healthy company culture

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