So, you’re ready to take your first steps into the workforce; what an exciting time! This is your opportunity to start your career journey off on the right foot and connect with employers who have your best interests at heart.
However, finding the perfect employer for you isn’t always a simple task. In fact, there are tonnes of red and green flags that can be tricky to notice without a few years of working experience. That’s why we’re dedicating today’s article to helping you pick out the perfect employer!
First Things First: Employer Definition
Okay, we know, this one sounds simple. However, there can be a little bit of confusion surrounding the difference between your boss and your employer, so it’s worth doing a refresher before diving into the article. Essentially, an employer is a person or a company that employs and pays one or more people for their services.
Employer vs. Manager: What’s the Difference?
While employers and managers might seem like the same thing (and sometimes they can be), there’s usually a key difference. Managers aren’t the ones paying your wages and often don’t own the business you work for, which means they aren’t actually your employer. Rather, your employer is the company you both work for, unless, of course, your manager owns the business!
Green Flags and Red Flags: Analyse Your Potential Employer
Now that we’re crystal clear about who your employer (or potential employer) is, it’s time to work out whether the one in question is a good one! After all, a good employer and employee relationship can be the difference between loving your job and dreading the act of clocking in.
Ask Yourself These Questions:
If you’re already employed, the first step to figuring out if you’re dealing with a great employer is asking yourself the following questions. Not only will they illuminate any potential red flags, but they should also force you to reflect on whether the role and industry you’re working in is actually a good fit.
And remember: if you don’t love your work, it isn’t always due to a fault of your employer. If you haven’t really thought about the question, ‘What career suits me,’ it might simply be that the industry you’re in isn’t right for you!
#1 Are You Excited to Go to Work?
Regardless of how much we love our jobs, there are always going to be days where you simply don’t want to clock in, and that’s totally fine! However, if you’re feeling some serious anxiety before every shift, it could be owing to the fact that your employer simply isn’t right for you.
#2 Are Your Values Similar?
The key to developing a strong employer and employee relationship is ensuring that you have values that align. After all, if you value social responsibility and sustainability and you’re working for an employer who puts profit above all else, there’s definitely going to be some issues.
#3 Are You Being Treated with Respect?
While it’s important to note the power dynamics that are present in every employer and employee relationship, you should still feel as if your employer respects and values you. Just because they’re your boss doesn’t mean that they can treat you unkindly or criticise you for no reason. If this is the case, your employer is showing some serious red flags.
#4 Are You Being Given Opportunities for Growth?
Opportunities for growth can be as simple as added responsibilities when you want to expand your skillset or as elaborate as a whole training program designed to help you reach your career goals. Regardless of how they do it, a great employer will enable you to progress in your role.
#5 Do You Feel Safe at Work?
Last, but not least, a good employer ensures that you feel safe, supported and able to be yourself in the workplace. We’ve all heard about toxic workplaces with office bullies and employees who are constantly nervous; a good employer would never allow that kind of environment to take hold.
Signs of a Good Employer
- Development and Training Initiatives
- Positive Company Culture
- Regular Feedback
- You Don’t Feel Scared to Ask for Help
- Managers Help You Work Towards Your Goals
Signs of a Bad Employer
- Lack of Communication with Employees
- Unclear Roles and Job Descriptions
- Lack of Feedback
- Little to No Positive Reinforcement
- Bad Company Culture
What to Do When Faced with a Bad Employer
When you’re dealing with a toxic employer, it’s easy to feel like you’re trapped in a workplace that simply doesn’t work for you. While there are some cases where employers are completely resistant to change, there are still a few ways to handle all this negativity (or at the very least, cope with it until you find a replacement role).
Find a Support System
You know that old saying, ‘A problem shared is a problem halved?’ Well, it’s popular for a reason! Sharing your stresses with someone you truly trust can take the weight off your shoulders and help you see things more clearly.
Practice Self Care
When you’re stressed out by a bad employer, it’s important to take some time to keep your mind healthy. Whether this is by having a bubble bath, cooking a delicious and nutritious meal, or simply spending time with your friends, make sure to prioritise yourself.
Establish Boundaries
In the rare case of having an employer who calls you at all hours, expects you to work overtime all the time, or talks to you in a less than kind manner, it’s important to set boundaries. Unless it’s set out in your contract that you must be available, turn off your phone outside of work hours and consider speaking to an HR representative about your issues.
Schedule a Meeting with a Manager
We know this one can seem pretty scary, but you’d be surprised at how much can be resolved by talking things out. Write down a list of all your concerns and voice them to your manager in a calm and measured way. This way, they can look at ways to resolve the issue or bring it to the attention of higher-ups.
How to Find Your Perfect Employer
Luckily for you, we’ve got a life hack to avoid all the nasty employers out there and only focus on pursuing careers with the great ones. All you need to do is head to our employers page! All of our partners are Explore Careers-vetted and ready to help you launch the career of your dreams. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to find your perfect match.
