Fitting In at Work

Seven characteristics to observe about company culture

By Chaz Kyser, Special to THE BLACK COLLEGIAN

Being the new person on the job can feel like being the new kid at school. You want to fit in and be liked by your co-workers (the students) and your boss (the teacher) while feeling at home in your new environment.

One of the key ways to fit in is by understanding and adapting to the company’s culture. Just as every school you attended had its own way of life and culture, so will all the companies you work for throughout your life. You’ll find that every company operates differently—has its own quirky way of doing things and rules that reflect the beliefs of the higher-ups. You may find that some companies will take some getting used to while others will automatically feel welcoming and safe. How fast you learn to operate within your company’s culture will dictate how fast you’ll fit into the company itself.

This is not to say that you can’t stand apart from your co-workers in your own unique way, and do things a little differently. What this means is that there are certain aspects of a company that you’ll have to adapt to. It’s rare to find a company whose atmosphere is entirely suitable to you. There may always be something you wish were different, or done differently. You’ll find that some things can be changed by your insightful suggestions. Other quirky aspects of the company will be unchangeable. And that’s okay if you can accept what can’t be changed.

The following are seven characteristics that I’ve found work together to create a company’s culture.

1. The Employer’s Expectations: Each employer has his or her own expectations for the company. The employees pick up on these expectations and carry themselves accordingly (or should). Some employers may expect their company to just get by and make a little profit. You’ll be able to tell this because your co-workers will do just what it takes to get by and collect a paycheck. While you should still strive for excellence you won’t be able to condemn others for their lack of initiative in this type of environment. Other employers will want their company to be the best in the city, state or nation, and be very demanding of their employees. Half-stepping on your job in this company will be frowned upon.

2. The Rules and Regulations: Each company will have their own set of do’s and don’ts to work by. Rules like stealing, back-talking the boss, lying and so forth are no-brainer rules, but others might not be so obvious. You may not find out exactly what they are until you break a rule or see someone getting fussed at for committing a “no-no.” For example, some companies may not have a problem with employees relaxing on the job when the workload is slow. Other companies may expect you to look like you’re working even when they know there’s nothing to do. Likewise, dating among employees is a normal occurrence at some companies, while it may be forbidden at others. To avoid confusion, ask whether or not something is against company policy or considered an “abomination” before you do something you’re unsure about.

3. The Interaction Among Co-workers: If you find that people rarely leave their cubicles and like to eat lunch alone at your company, then being Mr. or Miss Friendly might not score you any points. This isn’t to say don’t be upbeat and cordial, but don’t be upset if other people aren’t as amiable as you are. Other companies may be under a heavy spirit of camaraderie that most people wish their company had. In this environment you’ll hear people’s gossip on your first day and be invited over for dinner the next. This is cool—if you appreciate friendly co-workers. If you don’t, you better pretend you do and work on being friendly yourself if you want to fit in.

4. The Employee’s Interaction With Management: There’s a big difference in the atmosphere of a company where the boss is viewed as a team member, and one where he or she is solely looked upon as the head honcho. A team member boss may be treated casually by employees and joked with like anyone else. You can tell when you have a head honcho boss because the room will get quiet when he or she enters. Personal interaction with these two types of bosses is also very different. The team member boss might have what’s known as an “open-door” policy where you can freely share your thoughts and concerns at any time. The head honcho boss may make you set an appointment to talk, and that may be the first and only time you get to talk to him or her one-on-one. Take cues from your co-workers on how to interact with your boss until you get to know his or her management style.

5. The Dress Code: Don’t expect to fit in wearing business casual outfits when the atmosphere is conservative and everyone sports a suit except on Fridays. Take your cues on appropriate attire from your co-workers and follow their lead.

6. The Pace: If it’s a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment you’re working in, then you better keep up or you’ll be seen as a dead weight. If it’s a slower paced “take your time” environment then you might not fit in playing Speedy Gonzalez.

7. The Competitiveness: Some companies foster a competitive environment among employees. At companies like this your co-workers will gloat about who sold the most ads, who sold the most merchandise, which team bagged the most clients and finished the project first, and so on. If you’re not a competitive person by nature this may take some getting used to.