Values are fundamental personal beliefs and principles that guide an individual’s behaviours and key decisions, and they are typically shaped by upbringing, culture and experiences. Individual values vary widely between people and can relate to the goals we aim to achieve, the people we choose to form relationships with and the organisations that we choose to work for. Many organisations also have a set of defined values, which reflect the behaviours, beliefs and priorities of the organisation and serve as a unifying force across employees. For example, as Business Psychologists, Impact’s organisational values are:
- Evidence-based – we use the latest research and theory to support our clients with ongoing organisational challenges
- Compassionate – we listen to our clients to understand their needs
- Results-oriented – we provide pragmatic and practical solutions that meet or exceed client expectations
- Personalised – our work is bespoke and aimed at meeting the specific needs of each client
Although individual values differ between people, when employees share values with their organisation it can lead to a more harmonious and successful workplace, benefiting both the individual employees and the organisation as a whole.
The benefits of shared values between employees and their organisation
There are many benefits to hiring employees whose values are aligned with organisational values, including:
- Cultural fit: Employees who share the same values as their organisation are more likely to align with the company’s culture, mission, vision and goals. This can lead to better teamwork, collaboration, and overall employee satisfaction.
- Increased engagement: When employees believe in the values of the organisation, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their work. This can lead to higher productivity, creativity, and job satisfaction.
- Consistent decision-making: Employees who share values with the company are more likely to make decisions that align with the organisation’s principles and beliefs. This can help maintain consistency in decision-making processes and ensure that actions are in line with the company’s mission and goals.
- Improved retention: Hiring employees who share values with the company can lead to higher employee retention rates.
Values-based approach to recruitment
Values-based recruitment is an approach that focuses on assessing candidate alignment with core organisational principles and values. By prioritising value alignment, organisations aim to ensure that new hires not only have the necessary skills and qualifications to perform well in their role, but also share the same beliefs and principles that are essential to organisational culture and success.
There are multiple ways in which a values-based approach can be adopted throughout recruitment processes, including:
- Define core values: Clearly define the core values that are important to the organisation and communicate them to potential candidates. This helps candidates understand what the organisation stands for and allows them to assess their own alignment with organisational values
- Incorporate values into job descriptions: Include information about the organisation’s core mission and beliefs in job descriptions to attract candidates who resonate with those values. This can help filter out candidates who may not be a good fit culturally
- Assess values alignment during interviews: Use behavioural interview questions and scenarios to assess candidate alignment with the organisational values. For example, ask candidates to provide examples of how they have demonstrated these values in their past professional experiences
By utilising these methods and prioritising assessment of candidate-organisational values alignment, organisations can recruit talent that will support and develop positive culture and success.
How Impact can help
Talent management is one of our key pillars for perpetuating organisational success. We design and deliver bespoke assessment centres and recruitment strategies to help you attract and hire talented people whose personal values align with those of your organisation.
You may also be interested in our “Lost in Translation: the disparity between values and behaviours” package, which is designed to improve alignment between organisational values and the day-to-day behaviours of employees.
