Would your employees agree with your workplace values?
How confident are you that your organisation reflects its workplace values? Do you think your employees agree with them? Do they even know what the values are?
Workplace values are not a momentary tick-box item. They should be integrated into your work lifestyle and set the tone for the work day. They are the foundations of all work activity and are ingrained within an organisation's culture. Solid workplace values bring employees together as they work towards the same goals. A team that shares the same values will be more likely to aspire to the same vision.
What are workplace values?
Workplace values embody who you are as an organisation and help outline your employer brand. They are a guide that influences how you operate and determine every decision, action and behaviour. An organisation with a vision will be supported by a set of values that every employee aligns with. Examples of common values include:
Respect: Treat your team and those around you with respect.
Accountability: Be accountable for your own actions.
Integrity: Approach work with honesty, and show integrity.
Courage: Have the courage to speak up and do the right thing.
Curiosity: Have the interest to learn and understand more.
Values are the fabric of an organisation. If they are misunderstood or ignored, there is usually a good reason. If they are unrelatable, they will likely be unnoticed. If they are overly ambitious, they will be disregarded. If they are not lived by the leadership team, they will be mocked.
How to make sure your workplace values are a true reflection of your organisation
Your organisation's values must be regularly assessed to make sure they are a true reflection of your workplace. To get an honest picture of your workplace values, you must talk to your employees.
Schedule one-on-one meetings to discuss whether your organisation is living by its values. If it isn’t, find out why. Provide an open forum for constructive feedback. If people feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, an anonymous survey might attract the best results. Evaluate feedback in a brainstorming session, and create a new set of meaningful values.
Final thoughts
It’s normal for values to shift and evolve over time as your organisation grows and changes. However, a full transformation can be unsettling and confusing. To avoid this, approach workplace values with honest, transparent communication, and involve your team in developing them.
Your people are your business, and their insight is the most significant source for determining workplace values. Listening to your employee's opinions and gaining constructive feedback will ensure your values are true to your organisation.
For more insights, visit the Heart Talent blog.