• Use different ways to find out about communication preferences in a new workplace

Organizational Culture

Organizational culture refers to the collective values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that characterize an organization. It’s essentially the personality of the company, shaping how employees interact with each other and with clients or customers, how decisions are made, and how work is accomplished. This culture is influenced by a variety of factors including the organization’s history, leadership style, policies, and the industry in which it operates.

Discovering Organizational Culture

When you start a new job, understanding the communication norms and preferences of your new organization will help you get adjusted more smoothly, collaborate effectively, and contribute to a positive workplace culture. But how exactly can you learn about these unspoken rules? Let’s explore practical methods to help you get started.

Observation

Pay close attention to how your colleagues and supervisors communicate. Notice the channels they use (emails, instant messaging, face-to-face, phone calls), whether the language they use is formal or informal, and how they structure their communication.

Observation allows you to quickly pick up on common communication styles without needing to explicitly ask. For example, if you see that most people send brief, informal messages on Slack for daily communication but switch to formal emails for official announcements, you can adapt to this pattern.

Asking Direct Questions

It’s perfectly acceptable to ask your manager, colleagues, or mentor direct questions about communication preferences. You might ask:

• Do you prefer updates via email or should I stop by your desk?
• Do people typically share pre-meeting materials? If so, how far in advance should these be sent?
• What’s the best way to reach you if I need a quick response?
• What is the expected response time for communications during evenings or weekends?

This approach not only clarifies your doubts but also shows your initiative and desire to engage collaboratively with your team. Direct questions can prevent misunderstandings and build your reputation as a thoughtful and considerate team member.

Reviewing Written Materials

Look through internal documents such as employee handbooks, past meeting minutes, newsletters, and message archives if accessible. These materials can provide insights into the standard communication practices and cultural norms of the organization. For example, the tone and language used in these documents can tell you a lot about the level of formality expected in written communications.

Feedback

After you’ve been at the organization for a short time, seek feedback on your communication style. Ask if there are adjustments you should make to better align with the company’s norms.

Regular feedback not only helps you improve but also reassures you that you are communicating effectively within the new environment. This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and integration into the company culture.