Every successful company needs defined values; not only something to put on the “About Us” page on their website, but something that intrinsically defines them as a company. An organisation’s values are an indication of how they conduct business, how they present themselves, and what is important to them.
Why are values so important?
Company values are a critical part of forming a thriving business for many reasons. Fundamentally, they provide the ethical groundwork from which a company builds a trusted workforce and develops a trusting client base. Having clear ethics ensures that people understand the identity of your business and attracts those who share your values.
In terms of the hiring process, you will attract more candidates if your values are laid out and followed through. Also, we as recruiters appreciate getting a sense of the company values as it helps us promote your company and ‘sell’ your work environment to potential candidates (we will add colour to a plain black and white advert on a jobsite)! Generation Z, particularly, focus on the importance of company values, with the BBC reporting that “how a workplace operates factors into whether younger workers stay or go”. A recent Deloitte survey found that 39% of Gen Zers polled have turned down employers that do not align with their values. Bearing in mind that by 2030 over a third of the workforce will be Gen Z, it is so important to consider the needs of this new wave of workers; they are willing to reject offers of work in search of ones that prioritise values and ethical practices.
Some main values that candidates (and customers) look for include:
Compassion
Listening
Environmental consciousness
Safety
Community and communication