Culture and its Importance for Candidates and Clients at Offer Stage.

Culture has become a key recruitment issue

The last couple of years have been interesting for recruitment.

It has been a period shaped by uncertainty and anxiety around job security and new opportunities, but it has also brought several important issues to the forefront.

The gender pay gap, unconscious bias and greater accountability around diversity and inclusion have all received more attention. It is positive to see these subjects taking centre stage and businesses making progress towards healthier, more inclusive workplaces.

Hiring for cultural fit is not a new discussion, but company culture has become increasingly important to both employers and candidates.

Candidates are now more willing to accept or reject an opportunity based on the culture of the organisation, and it is easy to understand why.

What company culture really means

Trends including better work life balance, support for mental health and greater flexibility around family and childcare have grown significantly.

This has highlighted the fact that many workplaces have not always been fully inclusive, limiting opportunities for people from different backgrounds and circumstances.

Defining company culture or cultural fit is becoming increasingly complex.

It is no longer enough for businesses to promote superficial benefits such as a Friday beer fridge, a ping pong table or a work hard, play hard attitude.

Values underpin culture

Businesses need to recognise that employees have different priorities, ambitions and circumstances.

To attract the strongest and most diverse talent, they need to appeal to people from a wide range of backgrounds.

This does not mean bringing together people who have nothing in common. It means understanding the values that underpin the culture and attracting people who genuinely share them.

Businesses and teams should regularly review those values and consider whether they are reflected in everyday behaviour.

I am fortunate to work for a business that includes “be kind” and “be proud” among its core values. These values are reflected in who we are as individuals and as a team, despite all our different personalities.

Living your values

Some of the businesses I have visited have offered excellent examples of how to create a supportive and diverse culture.

One organisation was holding a careers event for people returning to work while I was meeting its internal recruiter.

It was a strong example of a brand living its values, showing integrity and supporting more inclusive employment opportunities.

Shared values between existing teams and new employees can create a more collaborative working environment, supporting both performance and retention.

Finding the right fit

Cultural fit is not simply about salary, location or whether someone has the right technical experience.

For example, a small and established marketing business with a loyal client base may be looking for someone to take over the company in the longer term.

That environment may not suit an ambitious recent graduate who wants structured development and exposure to the latest digital marketing trends, even when the salary and location appear ideal.

Finding the right culture means finding an environment in which both the individual and the business can succeed.

Culture as a job search priority

Company culture is becoming an increasingly important consideration for candidates.

According to a LinkedIn survey on recruitment trends, 40% of candidates reviewing job adverts wanted to read more about company culture. Flexible working was also identified as one of the most important factors when deciding whether to accept a role.

This is something recruiters and hiring managers should consider when preparing job descriptions, job adverts and employment packages.

Businesses need to communicate their culture clearly and honestly, while candidates should think carefully about whether the organisation’s values and working environment are right for them.

For support finding the right workplace culture, or advice on attracting people whose values align with your organisation, contact Better Placed. We know people and understand the importance of getting the fit right.