Seven Characteristics of Companies You Should Resign From Immediately

Is there a way to distinguish between good and bad workplaces?
Although it's not an absolute criterion, based on my experiences in four different companies over the past 15 years, there seems to be.

More important than finding a good workplace is discerning a bad one.

Before joining a company, it's difficult to know whether it's a good or bad workplace. The problem arises when people, even while working there, get accustomed to their situation and can't tell if it's a good or bad workplace anymore.

I think it's more important to know how to distinguish a bad workplace because you should escape from such a place as soon as possible to avoid wasting your life. Time is like gold for people, especially for workers. When changing jobs, being young is a powerful advantage. So, even if it's just one day sooner, it's important to escape from a bad workplace when you're young and transition to a better one.

Now, let's take a look at the typical characteristics of a company you should escape from as soon as possible.

 

1. Personnel management is a mess.
Every company has its hierarchy, and it's unrealistic to say there has never been an irrational personnel decision. While these occasional missteps can be discouraging to hardworking members, the frequency and irrationality of personnel decisions are crucial. If someone who lacks performance, boasts without substance, disregards others while ignoring their shortcomings, blames colleagues for their own mistakes, and yet gets promoted, or if someone who doesn't perform well but excels at flattering superiors gets promoted, or if the hiring process is opaque and only involves parachute appointments, then it's time to leave such a company immediately. If hardworking employees who produce results aren't promoted, it indicates an unfair personnel system. Why stake your expectations and hopes, and dedicate your youth to a company that doesn't fairly recognize your growth and achievements? Don't waste your precious youth; escape right away.

2. Excessive disciplinary actions.
There are two scenarios where excessive disciplinary actions may occur. The first is when the company's members are chaotic, the organizational culture is messy, internal procedures and regulations aren't followed, and there are instances of embezzlement. If such issues persist, disciplinary actions might be warranted. However, if the situation reaches this point, the company is likely on the brink of closure, so such cases are rare. The second scenario is when inappropriate individuals, undesired by the staff, are promoted to managerial positions, and excessive disciplinary actions are used to control them. Instead of providing verbal warnings or encouragement for minor issues, immediately resorting to disciplinary procedures signifies a ruthless attitude of "Do as I say or perish." Companies operating with such a mindset should be promptly abandoned. If management, despite opposition from employees, can demonstrate fair organizational culture, personnel systems, and managerial performance, over time, employees will have no choice but to acknowledge such leaders. However, under leaders who can't embrace those who oppose them and only resort to excessive discipline, there's nothing to learn or gain.

3. Inadequate compensation for employees.
If a company generates profits, but most of the benefits go to the management, while employees receive minimal compensation, it's time to leave. A good manager recognizes that people are the most critical aspect of a successful business and understands the importance of motivating employees through appropriate compensation. Monetary rewards are a crucial factor in adequate compensation. Whether through salary increases based on performance or bonuses, one of these must be provided. However, if only lip service is given, and management reaps rewards without sharing them with employees based on business performance, leave such a company promptly. Actions, not words, should guide everyone's judgment. Such managers are hypocritical, caring only for appearances and not genuinely valuing you.

4. Excuses abound, no willingness to innovate.
Suppose a company boasts about its stable revenue for 30-40 years and claims to have reached a turnover of billions. In that case, one should examine the company's revenue trend. Let's assume the revenue has remained stagnant for over ten years due to poor market conditions. However, if the company refuses to pursue new ventures, only finds excuses, and doesn't challenge itself, it's time to leave. Organizations that don't grow ultimately perish.

5. Neglect of IT.
While it's understandable for small companies to struggle with IT infrastructure due to limited revenue, if a company with over 10 billion in revenue hasn't digitized its operations for over a decade, it likely has no intention to do so. Managers aren't concerned with creating drafts or requests themselves; they just sign off on paper documents. This indicates a lack of intention to modernize. Digitization accelerates a company's growth by reducing time spent on unnecessary tasks and allowing employees to focus on productive, creative, and valuable work. If a company remains stuck in the 90s despite its size and shows no willingness to change, it's time to leave.

6. Blaming employees for everything.
Management bears responsibility for all business performance. If blame is shifted onto employees for management's decisions, it's a sign of a terrible company. Leave immediately.

7. Excessive managerial positions.
Consider a company with 100 employees and 30 managerial positions. This creates a ratio of 1:2 between managers and employees. Can such a company function properly? If the number of managers overshadows the actual workforce, leaving little room for actual work, who will do the work? Companies like these are likely rushing to fill positions. Leave promptly.

These are the seven types of companies you should escape from. As someone who has experienced job transitions, I can say that while your current company may seem like your whole world, there are many good companies out there. It's not about blindly changing jobs. If you're being recognized and have room for growth in your current company, investing your time there is wise. However, if your current company fits any of the seven categories mentioned above, consider exploring better opportunities for your growth. Believe in your abilities and potential. Your life is precious, so I sincerely hope you don't waste it in such trashy companies.