It's pretty common to discuss things an employee should know before joining a company, and it's entirely in the interest of the company. But what about the things an employee should know to protect their interests?

An ideal workplace will provide opportunities for professional growth, flexible scheduling, and a positive work-life balance. These consistently rank high on candidate priority lists in polls of employers. 

You may find out how possible employer rates on these factors by researching its websites, reading articles about the company, and coming up with a list of questions to ask before each interview.

 

1. Terms in your employment contract

The vast majority of businesses have their administrative, professional, and executive staff members sign a contract or agreement of employment. Employment contracts are not necessary unless in certain circumstances, although they can protect both the employer and the employee.

As an employee, you must know the terms that an employment contract should include. Employment contracts define the roles of employees and employers and allow the employer to explain the relationship. Most contracts include clauses that prohibit employees from competing with the employer, soliciting clients, or disclosing trade secrets. Procedures for termination and conflict resolution also should be outlined in employment contracts.

 

2. Reputation and culture of the company

When gauging a company's credibility, it's important to look at a wide range of indicators. As best as possible, it would be successful, well-established, and ethically and legally sound. There should be a "investors" section of the firm's website where you may look up financial data and Securities and Exchange Commission filings if the business is publicly traded.

Verify if the company has a history of rising profits and sales, even accounting for the rare dip caused by a poor quarter or the economy. Find out if it has ever been the subject of an investigation, a fine, or a lawsuit for engaging in unlawful or unethical practices. Checking news items in local newspapers or industry publications may give information on the company's success, even if it is privately held.

Make sure it's in a thriving sector that's not been hit hard by technological advances or market shifts. If you want to work in the media, you should look for digital media jobs rather than print media jobs.

 

3. Company's growth rate and brand value

The value of a company in the sector is an important consideration when choosing a career. Joining a company with an average or below-average brand value guarantees less professional advancement in the long run. 

Knowing a company's growth rate is just as crucial as knowing its brand value. The growth rate can be measured in terms of workforce size or revenue/turnover rise. A corporation with a strong growth rate can help you progress in your career. Therefore, prioritize companies that build a job board and include methods to increase employee growth.

 

4. Opportunities for Career Development

Before hiring you, your employer must have an open position that matches your training and experience. You can contribute more rapidly if your employment is the right fit for you. Additionally, inquire about career prospects with the business. Inquire about the average career path for the position you are applying for from the interviewer. Also, ask what resourses they provide for onboarding process to make thar stage smooth.

Find out if other department members have advanced in their careers, if so, to what levels they did so, and how long it took them to reach each level. Verify whether the business has training programs in place to assist you in learning your work and acquiring new abilities. Check to see if the employer offers tuition reimbursement to encourage continuing education. Also, consider checking the employee Net Promoter Score of the companies who are going to work and define how engaged and satisfied their employees are

 

5. Work-life balance

A good balance between work and personal life is another crucial component that employers must provide. You shouldn't be required to work long hours every day at the expense of your personal and family life. Additionally, employers must give employees enough time off, including personal days, vacation, and maternity leave.

Some employers permit men to take time off to assist their wives during pregnancy. Inquire about alternatives for flexible scheduling and work-from-home during interviews. Additionally, you might look at online studies on employer job satisfaction that are frequently promoted on job search and career websites.

 

6. The attrition rate of the company

The attrition rate of a corporation is the number of employees who leave the company. Before joining a company, it is critical to understand its attrition rate. You don't want to be a short-term employee of the organization. Moreover, a high attrition rate indicates unhappy and dissatisfied employees, which is not where you want to work.

 

Other considerations

Salary, bonuses, profit sharing, and health benefits are all key aspects to consider in an employment relationship and should be considered when looking for the perfect job. The Bureau of Labor Statistics "Occupational Outlook Handbook" provides average pay for most jobs.

Of course, this is one of the most significant factors to consider while deciding on a career. Because your paychecks will cover your bills, you must analyze the salary that is being paid to you. You should consider joining if the income is adequate. Insurance, sick leaves, health insurance, and other benefits are part of what an employer offers their staff. If you want your future to be safe, you should consider these things before joining.