Finding a job is is never easy, and deciding whether or not to accept an offer may get even more complicated if claims of workplace misconduct come forth.
Under such circumstances, you should carefully consider your choices and make a decision consistent with your values and professional objectives.
Here are some ways to negotiate this tricky situation.
1. Investigate the allegations
When you learn about a company’s alleged misconduct, think about the source of the claims and if it is reliable. Ask yourself:
- Who shared the information? Is this someone you trust, or does this person have a background with the company?
- What details were provided? Are the accusations clear and consistent – or ambiguous and maybe embellished?
- Is there supporting evidence? For further opinions, check internet reviews (like Glassdoor), news sources, or LinkedIn contacts.
Alhough you should pay attention to warnings, remember that you do not know the whole story. Avoid making snap decisions without further background.
2. Evaluate the company’s response
The way a firm handles harassment claims says volumes about its goals and culture. Search for indications of responsibility and openness:
- Have they addressed the issue publicly? Businesses that treat harassment seriously usually have well-defined rules and practices for managing such issues.
- Is there evidence of change? High turnover rates, a lack of diversity in leadership, or persistent rumours of misconduct could indicate unresolved issues.
- How did they treat you during the hiring process? That may be a warning sign if the interviewees looked evasive or defensive about corporate culture.
During follow-up with HR or your potential manager, do not hesitate to ask direct but professional questions, such as: “How does the company handle workplace misconduct?”
3. Trust your gut
If the claims make you uncomfortable, do not discount your gut feeling. Long-term job happiness and mental health can well be influenced by anxiety or discomfort about working for such a company.
Reflect on:
- How would you feel working in an environment with unresolved harassment issues?
- Do you feel confident in the company’s ability to address workplace culture concerns?
Although second-guessing yourself is normal, when combined with careful thought, your intuition usually serves as a good guide.
4. Align the decision with your values
Your choice should ultimately represent your personal and professional ethics. Examine yourself and ask:
- Does the culture of this company fit your values? If your top concerns are integrity and safety, a company with unresolved harassment problems might not be a fit for you.
- Are you willing to take a risk? If you think the company has great potential for development, you could consider it a chance to help bring about positive changes.
5. Have a backup plan
Should you turn down the offer, be sure you have a plan for locating additional prospects. Maintain the activity of your network, maintain your portfolio, and keep applying for more positions.
Declining one offer does not imply you are shutting doors – rather, it indicates that you are selecting the appropriate one for you.
6. Make an informed choice
Rigorous research, introspection, and moral alignment will help you reach the best choice. Remember that your career is a long road, so it is best to give priority to workplaces that align with your values, wherein you can flourish.
This article was originally written by Anisa Aznan for jobstore.com, an online job site that specialises in providing jobseekers with the latest job opportunities by matching talented individuals with reputable companies in Malaysia. Find your dream job with over 40,000 job vacancies in Malaysia.
Read more articles from Jobstore here.