Unfortunately, a lot of big-name, established institutions fall into the trap of complacency. What values and strategies brought them to the top decades ago are still well in place even when a new generation of consumers—and workers—are now in place.

So when your company encourages its employees to share their process innovations, feedback, and techniques, consider it a blessing. Not many are lucky to have their voices heard throughout the organization.

Here’s the catch though: It also helps to observe which feedback and recommendations are listened to. It may be that the management does listen—but to select folks only. Hierarchy or management level is also a factor you have to take notice of when your company solicits a review.

How would I know this? For smaller teams, a regular group or one-one-session session wherein your ideas and feedback are explored are held. For large organizations however, a company-wide survey is usually held in place.

Just like homes, the office vibe is usually a telling sign of how the company operates. If it’s relaxed, light, and filled with vibrant conversations, chances are the employees within it feel at ease and comfortable working.

Aside from emotional benefits, happy employees are also productive employees according to a 2019 research by Oxford University's Saïd Business School. So not only are you surrounded by an environment that makes your workload easier to handle, you’re also around people who are scientifically proven to do more.

And it’s true what they say, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” If your office culture treats its employees like machines who can be 100% on work mode, and not actual humans who need time for personal welfare, then maybe it’s time to consider looking for an employer who can treat you better.

How would I know this? It’s a sign that your company sees you more than merely a money-making machine when they occasionally shake things up and organize fun events. Take notice if the management tries to keep its people engaged. It doesn’t have to be grandiose—a simple team lunch-out or even a virtual friendly competition can do the trick.

Hiring employees is easy, lots of people need jobs. But earning the loyalty of your people? That’s an entirely new topic.

When employees feel job-secure, well-compensated, and generally in an environment that lets them grow, chances are they can stay with that company longer.

It’s no rocket science: Would you ever think of leaving an environment that keeps you happy, motivated, AND pays you for it? It’s one of the easiest decisions you can stick to.

How would I know this? Unlike the other items listed, this one pertains more to the outcome rather than the problem itself. In other words, you wouldn’t see it coming until it hits you in the face. It may start with general low morale within the company, then progressing towards a stale workplace. Before you know it, you can see your office riddled with vacant backfill positions and fresh faces that you wish knew better.

Although low employee turnover is great, also take caution on environments filled with people who have been stuck doing the same stuff five 5 days a week for so many years.

It’s not enough that employees stay, it’s also important what the company does for the people who do.

For instance, upskilling workers is one of the surefire ways of ensuring they continuously grow even when they’re staying with the same organization. And it doesn’t have to be super official, complete with certifications (although we wouldn’t say no to that!), or a paid instructor.

It can be as simple as intercompany refresher courses on basic office skills such as spreadsheets, word processing software, or as straightforward as business writing training.

It can also be in a form of work rotation, just to keep it fresh for the workers while also letting them know the organization better through exploration and immersion outside their usual environment.

The best companies to work for are those who are as interested in driving your value as you are in boosting theirs. After all, an organization is only as good as its individual members.

How would I know this? Take notice if there are company initiatives to keep workers from being stale in terms of growth and experience, whether it be training, educational grants, or maybe even special schedule arrangements to accommodate your external courses.

On the flip side, if you notice bored and unchallenged employees, chances are the organization isn’t as invested in their growth as you hope they’d be.

Another strong sign that an organization has its employees’ welfare in mind is implementing positive reinforcement as the norm.

Gone are the days of being penalized for not reaching your quota. Nowadays, those who exceed the company benchmark are rewarded extra for delivering beyond their goals.

Not to say that refractions are unacceptable now, there are still some cases where they’re appropriate. But when your management leans towards motivating you through worthwhile and appealing rewards, one can’t help but return the kindness with dedication and loyalty.

An organization that truly has your welfare in mind works with you, and not against you.

How would I know this? You can usually tell a company’s values by the consequences of the key performance indicators it imposes. For instance, does it reward top-performing employees or would it rather demote those who are not doing so well?

As simple as it may seem, there’s no denying the power of recognition and appreciation especially in a professional setting.

You can be at a lucrative-paying job, or be surrounded by the most engaging company activities, but without an occasional tap on the back for a job well done, it’s hard not to feel disregarded and unvalued.

No need for a full fanfare, even quick gestures go a long way in keeping an employee happy, motivated, and engaged. Seriously, who doesn’t like a little validation now and then?

How would I know this? You can tell workers feel valued when they actively take part in the culture of appreciation themselves. You often hear “Great job”s or “You did great”s exchanged and teammates are genuinely proud of their peer’s achievements.

Not to worry if these all still sound unrealistic to you. Finding the perfect workplace really does take a lot of time, patience, and maybe a little bit of luck too.

Never say never though. While it may be true that finding a job that keeps you happy is hard to come by—and finding a company that takes care of you (financially and beyond) is something a lot rarer, it’s all going to be so worth it when you finally do.