Everyone knows the feeling of dreading their day job. Whether you’re bored of doing the same old tasks and want a new challenge, you are not getting along with your coworkers, or you need to change jobs because of relocating to a new town, you want to make sure you select a company that has a lot going for it.

But how do you find a great place to work? When we are all looking for something different, are there some standard practices we should be looking out for? What even makes a company an excellent choice? Read on to discover some of the things that you should think about when finding a great place to work.

Experience

We are not only suggesting you match your experience to the company – we think you should look into other employees’ experiences. Nowadays, it is relatively easy to find out what other employees have experienced at the company you are applying for. While online reviews should be taken with a pinch of salt, if the same issues keep being flagged up, they are worth considering. Similarly, if employees have an overwhelmingly positive experience of an aspect of the company, that is a big plus!

Flexibility

In the past 12 months, companies have had to be more flexible than ever in how their employees work, what hours they work, and from where. However, it is important to ensure that this flexibility extends outside of times of crisis. Working for a company that trusts you to get your job done without micromanaging your every move is invaluable. Asking questions about this at an interview is a fantastic way to get some insight into the company practices and culture.

Communication

The level of communication within a company should be apparent from your application onwards. If the company is not getting back to you within a specific time frame they have laid out, then this doesn’t bode well for their communication in other areas. If, however, they are transparent about their processes throughout your application and interview, it is a great indicator of things to come. Make sure that you are equally open in your communication to create a positive professional relationship right away.

Benefits

It might sound unbelievable, but not all companies have the same benefits. It is worth checking out what kind of package your potential company offers before you make any concrete decisions about taking a job. A great range of employee benefits (such as the employee benefits solutions offered by Zest) and schemes, promoting a strong company culture and showing gratitude to loyal staff, reveals a company that values its employees. This is much more likely to lead to staff who stay longer, become experienced, and provide you with much-needed support as you learn the ropes.