Work Environment Preferences
Determining a Good Fit with Workplace Conditions
Meeting preferences for work environment can lead to high job satisfaction and engagement. Creating a list of these preferences can help guide career decisions.
Finding a working environment that fits with other elements of your good job fit profile such as your personality and your career values will increase job satisfaction, engagement and retention. Consider these questions and create a detailed list of your ideal workplace conditions. When you consider a new path in your career development, for example a promotion, transfer or taking training, look at how this new direction will fit with your work environment preferences.
Location
- How much time are you willing to spend on your commute to and from work?
- If you prefer to use transit, is public transit an option and readily available?
- If you prefer to drive, is parking reasonable and available?
- Do you prefer a central location around other commercial development or a remote location away from the city?
- Are you willing to relocate if asked?
Work Station
- Do you prefer a private office or a cubical or desk in an open concept office?
- What type of lighting do you prefer (bright, natural, task only etc.)
- Do you prefer a window that opens or air conditioning?
- Do you prefer a certain type of desk or chair?
- Do you prefer to work in the field?
- Do you have health concerns that need to be accomodated (e.g. allergies, disabilities)?
People
- Do you prefer to work with a certain gender, age group or other qualifier?
- Do you prefer a supervisor with specific qualities?
Dress Code
- Do you prefer business casual, casual or business formal work wear?
- Do you prefer to wear a uniform?
Compensation and Benefits
- What is your preferred base salary? What is your minimum salary requirement?
- What are your preferences around benefits – medical, dental, life insurance, vacation, expenses, tuition reimbursement and so on.
- What is your preference on salary increases – automatic increase? Negotiate annually? Based on performance review?
Work Life Balance
- Do you prefer to work at home exclusively or on certain days?
- Do you prefer to work overtime and receive time off in lieu or no overtime?
- Do you prefer onsite daycare, gym or other amenities?
Structure
- Do you prefer a large or small company or organization?
- Do you prefer a company or organization that is structured as a not for profit, government (direct or at arms length) department or for profit?
- Do you prefer a highly structured hierarchy or more of a matrix structure?
- Do you prefer a union environment or are you anti-union?
- Do you prefer freelance contracts or permanent work?
- Do you prefer to work part or full time?
Pace
- Do you prefer to work at a slow or fast pace?
- Do you prefer to have deadlines set for you or set your own?
Supervision
- Do you prefer little or no supervision or lots of guidance and support?
- What qualities do you prefer in your supervisor?
If you have comments or suggestions on this article, please start a discussion
If you liked this article, try:
Signs of High Job Satisfaction
Myers Briggs and Career Training
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