By Stephen Bangert, Ph.D.

Change is inevitable. In some cases you will have the choice of adapting by changing your attitude, adjusting your priorities or forming new networks. In other cases the choices may be few with little option other than searching for a new job.

When searching for a new job, beyond considering the position and responsibilities, give serious thought to factors of people, physical environment and corporate culture.

  • People
    Consider the many people you will interact with in your new job - your boss, your peers, your reports, your vendors, your customers and your shareholders. Each individual has a personal style of interacting with others. The intensity of the relationship differs as does the frequency of interacting. In addition, some relationships are more important to foster and maintain than others.

    When considering the people with whom you need to work closely, what are the personality traits that you favor in others or that you find promote a close working relationship? What level of competency do you expect? What degree of sharing information do you expect?

  • Physical Environment
    Consider the type of environment that you favor or that you find supports your working needs. What type of special needs do you have? Do you favor a relatively spacious, well-appointed office, or are you equally content in dimly lit, tight quarters? What importance do you place on lighting, on air quality, on temperature control, on noise reduction? What types of mechanical, electronic and logistical support do you need?

  • Corporate Culture
    Consider the type of environment that you favor or that you find supports your working needs. What type of special needs do you have? Do you favor a relatively spacious, well-appointed office, or are you equally content in dimly lit, tight quarters? What importance do you place on lighting, on air quality, on temperature control, on noise reduction? What types of mechanical, electronic and logistical support do you need?

In short, when evaluating a job offer, you need to go beyond the title, responsibilities and compensation. Job satisfaction is greatly influenced by the people you work with, the physical work environment and the corporate culture. Find a job where you can thrive, where you are challenged, where the people are genuine and where the environment is supportive. However, be assured that all of these factors will change over time, and as they change you have the choice of adapting yourself, changing the environment or leaving for greener pastures.

Source: http://www.wsacorp.com/Articles/WSAArticlesSteveWorkEnvironment.htm

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