Why Clear Company Values Matter: A Recruiter’s Perspective
As a recruitment agency, we have worked with a wide range of companies, from family businesses to national corporations. One thing our team always stand for is the importance of clear and lived company values. Values serve as the foundation on which a company is built, guiding its culture, decisions, and interactions both internally and externally. We want to share why this clarity essential in the way a business lives and breathes, all from a recruiter’s perspective.
First and foremost, clear company values help attract top talent, we should know as we take our own values very seriously. In today’s competitive job market, candidates are not just looking for a job they can show up to 9-5 before heading home; they’re looking for a company that aligns with what they stand for personally. When a business’ values are transparent and well-defined, it becomes easier for candidates to assess whether they’re a good fit for the organisation and vice versa. Candidates are more likely to be attracted to companies that share their values and proactive about approaching them. This translates into better chances of candidates in a recruitment process ultimately being a right fit.
Beyond that, clear company values are key in employee engagement and retention once they’re in your business. When employees understand and resonate with the values of their organisation, they feel a sense of purpose and belonging. This, in turn, leads to higher levels of satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty. Not to mention, a happier team. Employees who believe in their company’s values are more likely to go above and beyond in their work, knowing that they are contributing to something meaningful and impactful.
From a recruiter’s perspective, employees who are aligned with company values is invaluable. Not only are they more likely to perform well in their roles, but they also become ambassadors for the company, helping to attract like-minded individuals to join the team. Additionally, when employees are fulfilled in their work and comfortable in their environment, they are more likely to seek out challenges and other growth opportunities. Meaning, as they grow, your business grows with them.
It goes without saying, clear values also serve as a guide for decision-making and behaviour within the business. They provide a framework for employees to understand what is expected of them and how they should conduct themselves in various situations. Not only does this help create a cohesive and harmonious work environment, but it ensures that people are genuinely working towards common goals and upholding shared principles, not acting based on what they guess is right and wrong.
As recruiters, we often find ourselves discussing company values with candidates during the interview process. We know first-hand how candidates light up when they hear about a company’s commitment to integrity, diversity, innovation, or whatever values resonate with them personally. Conversely, we’ve also seen candidates lose interest when a company’s values seem vague or more of a box to tick off rather than a genuine guiding principle.
We know for a fact that in today’s world, consumers are increasingly drawn to companies that demonstrate a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. The same is true when it comes to choosing where to work. Clear company values that reflect these principles can be a powerful differentiator in the marketplace, and a strong way to establish your business as a brand.
Clear company values are not just a nice-to-have; they are essential for attracting top talent, engaging employees, guiding decision-making, and creating a positive environment people feel proud to be a part of. In the recruiting world, companies that prioritise and articulate their values effectively are more likely to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape. It’s our job to help companies identify, articulate, and communicate their values to attract the best talent. We’re happy to talk about how your businesses values are functioning in the job market!