Daily Archives: July 6, 2016

5 Ways to Define Your Ideal Workplace

better_together_teamwork_games_webWhether you’re just getting started in the professional world or looking for a career transition, it’s important to know what you want in a job and consider most important. A key piece of that is being able to define your ideal workplace. If you don’t know where to start or if you’ve got a long list of workplace “must-haves,” we’ve outlined five simple ways to help you define your ideal workplace and keep you moving on your path toward your dream career.

Consider size
When you get started, think about the kind of environment that will help you feel the most productive. Would you rather work for a small business or a large corporation? Both workplaces have benefits, but it’s important to know your personal work style and where you work best.

Think about environment
In a recent Movin’ On Up poll, 15% of voters said their ideal workplace would be one that is “relaxed,” while “fast-paced” received fewer votes. This is something you’ll also want to keep in mind when defining your ideal workplace. For some, a relaxed atmosphere is where they work best. For others, the constant buzz of a fast-paced environment is where they’ll thrive.

Research culture
Let’s say you’re interested in a culture like Google, where flexible schedules and work-life balance are promoted. Add that to your list for an ideal workplace, and then, start researching. Granted, you can do this for any aspect of defining your ideal workplace, but with culture, you can usually garner insight from employer reviews, talking with past and present employees, and more.

Narrow it down
Once you have a list of everything you look for in an ideal workplace, including the three areas above, take time to rank these items in order from most important to least important. Doing this will help guide your job search and allow you to focus on companies that offer the kind of workplace in which you think you’d be most productive and engaged.

Remember: nobody’s perfect
When defining your ideal workplace and applying it to your job hunt, try to keep in mind that no company is perfect. Finding that dream location can require some give and take. You may not get the flexible work schedule you’ve dreamed of, but perhaps you’ll work in a low-stress environment. The most important thing to remember is that your ideal workplace should be one that promotes your best professional self. Keep that in mind and you’ll be well on your way toward a positive career path.

How do you define your ideal workplace? Share your tips in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.