The relationship between employees and employers has drastically changed in the last few decades. In today’s competitive job market, it is not just the employer looking for the right fit but also the employee. Employees are now more empowered and have as much responsibility to filter and search for the best possible deal for themselves.
Gone are the days when employees would stay with one company until retirement. Now, employees have much more freedom in choosing the companies they apply to and stay with. Of course, with said freedom comes new standards for what a great company ought to be doing.
Today’s job seekers need to consider what they’re looking for in a potential employer beyond just salary and benefits. From HMO benefits to work-life balance—and even company culture, factors that would seem odd to professionals just several decades back are now essential considerations to today’s workers.
Choosing The Right Employer Matters
Millennials and Gen-Z employees are more keenly aware of the physical and psychological effects that a terrible working environment can inflict on a person. Burnout and depression are some of the most frequently cited mental health issues that white-collar professionals suffer from. Past generations used to believe these were just the realities of professional life, but now most modern workers believe otherwise.
So, how do we avoid ending up in horrid working environments? The red flags are not always easy to spot. You could go through five interviews and five different people for a particular position and still be blindsided when you finally set foot in the office. And, looking for faults and flaws throughout an interview may alter your perception of a potentially good employer and color them in a bad light.
Is there a better way to do it? Yes. Yes, there is.
The Green Flags You Should Spot
What is easier to spot are green flags. While these won’t guarantee that they’ll always be great employers, seeing several of them during your interview and research shows they do a few things right.
Their job post is short, straightforward, and has all the necessary details.
A job posting that is clear, concise, and has all the details a job seeker needs is a green flag. It shows that the company values transparency and wants to provide applicants with all the information they need to make a thorough decision. It also indicates that the company respects the applicant’s time by not making them wade through a lengthy job posting to get the information they need.
Most bad actors will resort to using overly appealing language combined with some obfuscating words in their job posts to get applicants to sign up.
The whole application process takes no more than three interviews.
A hiring process that takes no more than three interviews is a green flag because it indicates that the company values efficiency and respects the applicant’s time. It also shows that the company has a clear idea of what they’re looking for in a candidate and can identify whether the applicant is a good fit for the role relatively quickly.
Any more than three interviews can mean the company operates on extreme bureaucracy and micromanagement, and/or are slow to make important decisions.
They are upfront and transparent throughout the interview.
They tell you why the position is open, and they don’t sidestep ‘hard’ questions—even the salary range of the role. An interview process that is upfront and transparent is a green flag because it shows that the company values honesty and integrity. Being upfront and transparent about the job responsibilities, company culture, and potential challenges of the role can help set realistic expectations for the applicant. A company that doesn’t shy away from its faults during the interview process is likely one that keeps its teams and departments sufficiently informed as well.
They have a well-designed and actively used training and development system.
A company with a well-designed and actively used training and development system is a green flag. It demonstrates that the company is invested in the growth and development of its employees. A strong training and development program can help employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to reach their full potential within the company. It can also help retain top talent and improve overall company performance.
They care about output and results and not hours put in.
A company that values output and results over hours put in is a green flag because it demonstrates that they value productivity and efficiency. This approach can create a more flexible work environment, which can lead to higher employee satisfaction and retention. It can also help promote a results-driven culture, where employees are encouraged to focus on achieving their goals rather than simply putting in the hours.
Many of their current employees have a long tenure.
A company with many long-tenured employees is a green flag because it suggests they value employee satisfaction and retention. When employees stay with a company for a long time, it is often a sign that they feel valued, respected, and supported in their roles. This can be an indication of a positive company culture, where employees feel motivated to stay and grow within the organization.
Additionally, long-tenured employees can provide valuable institutional knowledge and help maintain continuity within the company. If you do decide to join the company, these people can be incredible guides for your own growth.
Last but certainly not least—and is our personal and heavily biased opinion.
They don’t provide free coffee in the office.
What else could they be cutting corners on if they can’t even provide coffee? Right?
Choose The Working Conditions That Suit You
There are many green flags that employees should look for in a potential employer beyond salary and benefits. Transparent communication, opportunities for growth, a positive company culture, recognition and rewards, flexible work arrangements, clear values and mission, strong leadership, employee benefits, social responsibility, and employee feedback are all critical factors to consider when evaluating a potential employer.
Job seekers should take the time to research and evaluate potential employers thoroughly before accepting a job offer. This includes reading online reviews, talking to current and former employees, and asking questions during the interview process.
By choosing an employer that exhibits even just some of these green flags, employees can ensure that they are joining a company that promotes a positive work environment and supports their personal and professional growth. Ultimately, this can lead to higher job satisfaction, engagement, and retention, making it a win-win situation for both the employee and the employer.
iSupport Worldwide Will Treat You Right
At iSupport Worldwide, we already practice all of the green flags we mentioned and continuously strive to improve our processes. We are a leading offshoring solutions firm focused on providing clients with the best services while empowering the professionals we hire.
We recognize and understand the value of workers who are engaged and happy in their careers. We have weekly engagement activities for our employees. And our training and development team regularly conducts various programs designed to upskill our teams with new and relevant knowledge.
Reinvigorate your career with us.