| The Contractor's Guide to Corporate Culture
By Dan Rutman
Okay, you're looking forward to your next contract, and you want to make sure it's a rewarding endeavor. Too often, contractors only consider three key factors: rate, location and type of work.
There's another set of equally important, less tangible elements that help to determine whether you'll enjoy a project, and more importantly, whether you'll be a productive, highly functioning addition to the project or department.
It's all about how well your personality fits the culture of the organization you're going to be working in.
Here are a few of my own highly subjective observations:
1) Lunchroom
If a company has a great cafeteria, it can really improve your productivity, attitude and social life.When you're able to enjoy the entire food pyramid at noon, you'll have much more energy to lead a highly charged meeting or tackle that not-so-invigorating-yet-necessary monthly variance analysis.
In addition, it's much easier to learn about your company and colleagues if there's an inviting setting for sharing a repast.Asking someone “Can I join you for lunch?” has more appeal than “Want to head over to the machine for some Jujubes and a Fresca?”
2) Parking
Ramp = good. Surface lot = bad (especially if you don't get to work by 7:30 a.m.).
Some of our local corporate giants with only surface lots actually use shuttle buses in the winter. Problem is, in the early spring shuttle service stops--15 degrees, typhoon gusts and sleet slamming into your face for a 20-minute walk sort of puts a damper on your whole day, and scraping off an icy car in two feet of snow ends any festive plans for the evening.
For those of you with hair, don't bother combing.
3) Corporate Fun
Although contractors don't usually participate in employee activities, a company that puts emphasis on fun and special events will tend to have higher morale.That makes for higher energy and, in general, a better working environment.
Good Companies: Boat Cruise Day, Massage Day, Cake Day. Bad Companies: Interpretive Dance Day, Foreign Film Day, White Noise Day, Bamboo Under Fingernails Day.
4) Department Fun
Most departments you'll join will have a 50-50 mix of fun people and not-so-fun people. If you're lucky enough to get a project with a higher mix of fun people, DON'T LEAVE.
If you're unlucky enough to get one with a higher mix of not-so-fun people, you'd better really love the work, because it's going to be very hard to keep up your energy level.
5) Friday's Attitude
Friday is very special; you want to be where a Nerfball, hockey stick or Internet music is evident by 3:00 p.m. on every Friday.
Of course, as a contractor you must be producing at peak level, not goofing off on the client's time.But, that doesn't rule out the occasional slam-dunk contest or name-that-tune game--that's the secret of teamwork, which is the most important productivity tool of all.
6) Company's Acceptance of Contractors
Every company needs to maintain the distinction between employees and contingent workforce.Why?The IRS says so, for starters.It's just good HR policy, as well.
The good companies--and the good contractors--are able to maintain the distinction without seeming cold or aloof.Even though you were brought on to do that extra special reverse osmonic variance calibration analysis that nobody else can do, you need to be willing to reconcile the A/P balance and add up the petty cash if you're asked.
That's the secret to long-term engagements--be both a self-starter and a good team player.
7) Company's Attitude on Next Project
On each engagement, the initial task you're hired for will eventually draw to a close. If you're lucky, the company will want to use you for other important projects.
If they start requesting tasks like laminating coffee-making directions, developing restroom procedures and auditing lunchroom crackers, then it's time to call SALO about looking for your next engagement--you don't have much time left.
As I said at the beginning, these are strictly my personal opinions.If you're a contractor who prefers to lunch alone on a Hungry Man frozen dinner in your cube, there's a company somewhere whose culture will fit you to a T.
What's important is to be clear about what makes you happy and productive.Communicate your preferences to your contacts at SALO.They'll help you find the perfect match!
About the Author
Dan Rutman is currently contracting at GMAC-RFC in Bloomington, MN. He has been at 12 companies in seven years of contracting. For comments or to catch-up, please contact him at GMAC.
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