Why Living Your Organization’s Values Matters at Work
In America, we spend more time at work than we do just about anywhere else, and in today’s workplace, the importance of company values has increased dramatically. Organizations, big and small, are placing a significant emphasis on their core values as a guiding principle for their employees and for how they do business. Why is this? Because living your organization’s values at work can lead to a more meaningful (and successful) professional journey for employees.
We all have our own set of values, or guiding principles, that we tend to live by. But it’s imperative to create an atmosphere where employees may embrace your company’s values within all they do while representing the organization. Adopting and authentically living company values as their own, not only positively impacts their place within the organization, but your organization’s place within its industry as well. According to a study published by Harvard Business Review, companies who had a clearly articulated purpose - which was universally understood within the organization - had enhanced growth compared with companies which hadn’t developed or leveraged their values. Purpose-driven organizations benefit from growth, global expansion, and transformation efforts faster, and at more successful rates. And clear values give every member of your organization a better sense of direction.
Your organization’s goals and values matter when it comes to the overall success of your business; but also for each individual within it. Organizational values can help drive a greater sense of belonging, employee well-being and engagement, and even reduce turnover rates. A study by Northwestern University found when companies had a greater sense of purpose, employees reported their work was more meaningful, and had higher rates of job satisfaction. Aligning personal values with organizational values creates a stronger sense of purpose, engagement, and motivation. Employees are a reflection of your organization and ultimately, those who adopt your company’s values will develop into a resilient workforce with a positive employee culture.
When those within your organization understand and live company values, it can help to shape a positive company culture where mutual respect, diversity and inclusion can thrive. Imagine a team environment where there is a shared set of values; the sense of belonging and unity within these teams has such an opportunity for enhanced collaboration in achieving individual and organizational goals. When organizational values can act as a compass for all employees, ethical, strategic, and even difficult decisions are more easily navigated. Your culture and your values serve as your reputation, and the importance begins well before an employee's first day on the job. They can be a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent. Strong value-based cultures, now more than ever, positively affect hiring and retention efforts.
From how employees, guests and clients are treated, to how decisions are made, they should all ideally funnel back to alignment with company values, creating a direct line and positive impact on customer trust, loyalty, and brand reputation. Guests and customers are increasingly aware of where their dollars are going, and thus making decisions more frequently based on an organization’s values and social responsibility. When living company values, it becomes all the more easier for your employees, team members, guests, customers, clients, and even investors to buy-in to what your business is all about.
In today's dynamic work environment, living your organization's values is not just for display. It serves as a powerful driver of individual and collective success. By aligning personal and professional values, employees can find greater fulfillment, contribute to a positive workplace culture, and help their organizations thrive in the long run. It's more than a trend; it's a transformative approach to work that benefits everyone involved.
