How to Assess an Organisation’s Culture Before You Accept a Job

Understanding an organisation’s culture is key to deciding whether a workplace aligns with your values, goals, and working style. Culture shapes everything from how teams collaborate to how success is recognised—and it can vary widely between companies, and even departments.

So how can you evaluate a company’s culture before you join? Below are practical strategies to help you research and assess workplace culture during your job search.

Why Company Culture Matters

Company culture typically starts at the top—with the CEO and senior leadership team setting the tone for how the organisation operates. Ask yourself:

• Who leads the company, and how do they lead?
• How are decisions made?
• What is it actually like to work there day to day?

Understanding this can help you determine whether the environment fits your preferences. Are you looking for a fast-paced, ambitious career path—or a stable, supportive 9-to-5 job? Do you thrive in a competitive setting, or prefer a collaborative, family-oriented culture?

Ways to Research and Understand a Company's Culture

1. Explore the Company Website and Social Media

Start with the organisation’s official website. Review their:

• Mission and vision statements
• Core values
• Culture pages or team profiles

Social media channels (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook) often showcase company events, employee achievements, and workplace interactions, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at daily life.

2. Read Employee Reviews and Ratings

Use platforms like:

• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• LinkedIn

Look for recurring comments about leadership, work-life balance, management style, and team dynamics. Frequent staff turnover, which you can sometimes gauge via LinkedIn, may be a red flag worth investigating.

3. Conduct Informational Interviews and Network

Reach out to current or former employees for an informal chat about their experience. Ask about:

• What it’s really like to work there
• How values are lived day-to-day
• Team dynamics and leadership style

Networking events, webinars, and industry meetups are also great opportunities to gather genuine insights.

4. Review Employee Handbooks and Company Policies

If available, review:

• The company’s employee handbook
• HR policies
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Perks and benefits

These materials reveal how the company values its employees, communicates expectations, and supports work-life balance.

5. Ask Culture-Focused Questions During Interviews

Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions during the hiring process, such as:

• How would you describe the team culture here?
• How does the company support employee growth and well-being?
• Can you tell me about a recent team success and how it was achieved?

Observe how the interviewer responds and whether their answers align with what you’ve researched so far.

6. Observe Interactions at Company Events or Office Visits

If you're invited to visit the office (physically or virtually), pay close attention to:

• How employees interact with each other
• Office layout and environment
• Energy and atmosphere

Open houses or public webinars can also give you a sense of the organisation’s tone and engagement.

7. Look at Press Coverage and Industry News

Search for recent news articles, blog posts, or awards related to:

• Workplace culture
• Leadership changes
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Employee recognition or innovation

Media coverage can reveal both strengths and potential concerns.

Final Thoughts: Make an Informed Decision

Every workplace has a unique culture. The more you understand about a company's values, leadership, and employee experience, the more equipped you'll be to choose a role that truly fits your goals and working style.

By combining research, observation, and thoughtful questions, you can avoid culture shock—and find a workplace where you’ll thrive.

Quick Summary: How to Assess Company Culture

• Review the company website and social media for values and tone
• Read employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed
• Reach out to current or former employees
• Ask culture-related questions in interviews
• Attend events or office visits to observe firsthand
• Read press coverage and look for culture-related awards or controversies