Listen Up Leaders: How to Create a Values-Driven Workplace Environment

In a values-driven environment, employees find balance between their personal values and the organization’s values, creating a united and determined workforce. It’s your job, as a leader, to set examples and live be the values you preach.

Creating a values-driven work environment involves much more than jotting down a few words onto a page. It’s about uncovering the principles that your team cares about and doing your best to incorporate them into the workplace. When you get this right, you’ll see a change in the direction of your company and things will start to get a whole lot better for you and your team. Here are some steps you can take to create that values-driven workplace environment and find out what really matters to your employees.

Providing Higher Education Opportunities

In order to attract and retain top talent, you must show your employees that their long-term success and wellbeing really matters to you. One of the best ways you can do this is to invest in their future by providing a path for them to get their college or university degree. In addition to providing programs for tuition assistance and giving employees the flexibility to work schedules that accommodate their classes and coursework, you can also offer much needed information on scholarships. You can help them identify key financial resources and sources for scholarships for college students that would help them pay for attendance at the world’s leading universities.

Listen and Care

Employees are the lifeblood of any company. They are the ones who interact with customers, come up with new ideas, and make things happen. It’s important to listen to them and take their suggestions seriously. Employees want to feel like they’re a part of the company and that their opinions matter. Creating an environment where employees feel comfortable speaking up is essential. This can be done through regular meetings, suggestion boxes, or simply by taking the time to listen to them.

Focus on the Greatest Good

In the typical corporate or business environment, it’s always stated what the company needs or wants from their team. It’s a one-way street, really, with very little values-driven perspective present. This is changing with organizations now realizing the importance of moving towards more heart-centered thinking. Big leaders in the corporate world are now asking what do our employee need or want and what is the greater good that we’re striving for? You should also consider employee benefits Gen Z and Millennials value most as these demographics are the next generations to be taking over the workforce.

Make an Impact

There are many reasons why businesses should give back and make an impact in their local community. First, it’s a way of giving back and helping those that are less fortunate. Second, it can give the employees within the business a feel-good factor, providing that all-important boost in morale that we all thrive on. Whether it’s donating to local charities or organizing a fun day out for the community, making a positive impact locally might just inspire your team members to follow suit and do their own bit to help others in need in their personal lives.