When Target recently laid off hundreds of employees, headlines focused on technology glitches—but the real story was company culture. How an organization handles layoffs, crises, or big transitions often reveals its true values. In 2025, job seekers can’t afford to ignore these signals. A company’s culture—its communication, empathy, and integrity—shapes everything from employee satisfaction to long-term career growth.

What Target’s Layoffs Reveal About Company Culture

Target’s virtual layoff process drew criticism for feeling impersonal and abrupt. For many professionals, it became a public reminder that company culture isn’t about perks or branding—it’s about how leaders act when the pressure’s on. According to Gartner, only one in three employees believes their organization lives up to its cultural promises. That means job seekers must look deeper than slogans to find workplaces that truly align with their values.

How Job Seekers Can Evaluate Company Culture Before Joining

You can’t rely solely on interview answers or Glassdoor reviews. To evaluate company culture, pay attention to how companies communicate change, treat employees during tough times, and support fairness and well-being. Ask real questions: “What happens when employees raise concerns?” “How are promotions decided?” These conversations reveal whether a company genuinely prioritizes people—or just markets the idea.

Is Company Culture a Career Dealbreaker?

Yes—and it should be. Layoffs, leadership scandals, and policy shifts will always test a company’s integrity. The question isn’t whether a company makes mistakes—it’s how it learns from them. For professionals navigating an uncertain job market, understanding company culture isn’t a luxury; it’s a career safeguard. Choose environments that respect boundaries, communicate openly, and evolve under pressure—that’s where lasting success happens.