Whether you’re job hunting or have just started a new role, getting a proper feel for company culture is crucial. It’s not just about free snacks or dress codes—it’s about how you’ll be treated, how you’ll grow, and how happy you’ll feel day-to-day.
Let’s unpack what it really means, why it matters, and how you can get a read on it—before or after you start a job.
What actually is company culture?
Company culture is the vibe of the place you work. It’s made up of values, behaviours, and the general way people interact with each other and get things done.
It shows up in:
- How teams collaborate and communicate
- Attitudes around flexibility, feedback, and progression
- How wellbeing is supported
- How inclusive the workplace is
- The way wins are celebrated and mistakes handled
Some workplaces are fast-moving and full-on. Others are calmer, more supportive. Some are great at championing diversity. Some… not so much. It’s not about what’s right, it’s about what’s right for you.
If you’re job hunting: How to work out a company’s culture before you say yes
- Do a ‘culture audit’
When researching a company, look beyond the job description. Check:- Their social media – what do they share, and how do they talk?
- Glassdoor reviews – pay attention to themes, not just one-off complaints
- LinkedIn – what are employees posting? Are they proud to work there?
Tip: Look for consistency. If the website says “we value work-life balance” but employees are posting at 10pm, that’s a red flag.
- Ask open-ended questions at interview
Culture isn’t always obvious—sometimes you’ve got to dig. Try these:- “How would you describe the team dynamic?”
- “What does success look like here?”
- “How do managers support team development?”
- “What happens when someone makes a mistake?”
Tip: Watch how your interviewer responds. Do they light up, stumble, or give vague answers?
- Talk to future teammates (if you can)
If you get the chance to meet people you'd work with—grab it. Ask them what they love, what could be better, and how long they’ve stayed. That honesty is gold.
If you’ve just started a new job: How to understand the culture and settle in
First off—congrats! Now’s the time to figure out how things work so you can find your rhythm.
- Be curious and observant
Take in how people behave and interact. Are they open and chatty, or head-down and focused? Do people take breaks? Is it OK to ask for help?
Tip: Keep a note of what surprises you (good or bad). It’ll help you adjust—and raise anything later if needed. - Get involved early on
Join group chats, attend social bits (even if it's not your thing), and say yes to that coffee invite. You’ll get a faster feel for how people connect and what’s valued. - Ask questions — and not just about your job
Try:- “How do people here tend to work best?”
- “Is there anything I should know about how this team communicates?”
- “How do people usually give feedback or raise concerns?”
Tip: Pair this with a genuine “I’m just keen to get to know how things work around here” and people will usually open up.
- Be yourself, but flexible
Bring your own style and energy, but give yourself time to adapt. You don’t have to change who you are, but being open to new ways of working will help you settle quicker.
Culture is one of the biggest factors in job satisfaction — but it’s also one of the easiest to miss until you’re in too deep. Whether you’re choosing a role or starting one, taking time to understand the culture helps you figure out where you’ll truly thrive.
And if you ever want help finding roles where culture really matters, we’re always happy to chat. Want more tips to boost your job search or settle into your new role? Check out our Career Advice Hub for practical guides, insider insight, and support every step of the way.