The Heart of the Matter - Aligning with Organizational Values

One of the key factors that has made my marriage thrive for over thirty years is that my wife and I share deeply aligned values. For most of my career, I could say something very similar about the value alignment between myself and most of the companies I've worked for.

How about you? Do your company’s core values resonate with you? If you're looking for work, how closely are you examining the values of the companies you're interviewing with? In today’s dynamic job market, finding a job that aligns with your values can be challenging, but the rewards can be immense.

The Value of Values

Imagine this: You’ve just landed a job offer from a company that seems perfect. The pay is great, the office is swanky, and the benefits are top-notch. But there’s a catch – the company’s values don’t align with yours. You might think, “How bad could it be?” Well, let’s delve into why this misalignment can have a significant impact on your career and personal life.

Why Organizational Values Matter

Organizational values are the bedrock of a company’s culture. They guide decision-making, influence behaviors, and shape the overall work environment. Here’s why paying attention to these values is critical:

1. Job Satisfaction and Engagement: Employees who feel connected to their company’s values are more engaged and satisfied. In fact, 88% of employees believe a strong company culture is key to business success, and 86% of job seekers say culture is somewhat or very important when considering a job offer.
2. Retention and Loyalty: Companies with strong, positive cultures see higher retention rates. Conversely, 90% of workers in poor company cultures have considered quitting. Employees are also 20% more productive when they are happy and engaged, which often stems from alignment with the company’s values.
3. Performance and Productivity: Highly engaged employees can lead to a 202% increase in performance. Moreover, companies with good corporate cultures report four times higher revenues compared to those with weaker cultures.

The Statistics Speak

• Cultural Fit Over Salary: A significant number of job seekers prioritize cultural fit over salary. One-third of job seekers are willing to take a 10% pay cut for a job they are passionate about, and 58% would stay at a lower-paying job if it meant working for a great boss.
• Impact on Business Success: Companies with strong cultures are 89% more likely to report high customer satisfaction, and they experience a 4x increase in revenue growth.
• Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: 76% of employees seek jobs with more flexibility due to work-life balance. Flexible work options are also linked to higher productivity and lower stress levels.

Aligning Your Values with Your Career

So, how do you ensure that a potential employer’s values align with yours? Here are some steps to guide you:

1. Research Thoroughly: Dive deep into the company’s mission statement, vision, and values. Check their website, social media, and employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor. Around 86% of job seekers avoid companies with a bad reputation, so make sure to investigate thoroughly.
2. Ask the Right Questions: During the interview process, ask questions that reveal the company’s culture. For example: "How does your company support professional development and career growth for your employees?"
3. Reflect on Your Values: Make a list of your core values and see how they match up with the company’s. Consider factors like work-life balance, growth opportunities, community involvement, and ethical practices.
4. Seek Insider Insights: If possible, talk to current or former employees to get a candid view of the company’s culture. Their experiences can provide valuable insights that aren’t always apparent from official communications.

The Importance of Staying True to Your Values

Staying connected to your values in your professional life is not just about job satisfaction – it’s about long-term fulfillment and success. Here’s why it’s crucial:

• Authenticity: Working in an environment that aligns with your values allows you to be your authentic self. This authenticity fosters better relationships, higher engagement, and greater job satisfaction.
• Motivation: When your work resonates with your personal values, you are more motivated and passionate about your job. This intrinsic motivation leads to higher productivity and better performance.
• Well-Being: Misalignment between personal and organizational values can lead to stress and burnout. Ensuring a good fit helps maintain your mental and emotional well-being.

Real-Life Success Stories

Consider the story of Jane, a marketing professional who joined a company because of its impressive pay package and perks. However, she soon realized that the company’s cutthroat culture and disregard for work-life balance were in stark contrast to her values. After a year of stress and dissatisfaction, she moved to a company that prioritized employee well-being and community involvement. The result? Jane thrived in her new role, feeling more motivated, valued, and satisfied.

On the flip side, Tom, an IT specialist, turned down a high-paying job offer because the company’s environmental practices didn’t align with his values. He chose a slightly lower-paying job at a company known for its sustainability initiatives. Not only did Tom feel a sense of purpose at work, but his decision also led to unexpected growth opportunities and recognition within the company.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a job based on organizational values isn’t just about finding a place to work – it’s about finding a place where you can thrive. As job seekers, it’s essential to look beyond the surface and dig deep into what makes a company tick. The statistics are clear: employees who align with their company’s values are more engaged, productive, and satisfied. So, as you navigate your career journey, remember to keep your values at the forefront. They are the compass that will guide you to professional fulfillment and success.

In the end, a job isn’t just about earning a paycheck – it’s about building a career that resonates with who you are and what you stand for. So, go forth and find that organization that not only values you but also aligns with your values. Your future self will thank you.

If you'd like to delve deeper into the value of values in the workplace, check out my conversation with Daniel Aronson on this episode episode of the Career PROgressions Podcast. You can also check out Daniel's book The Value of Values.