We have reached a period in time in which what we value is becoming increasingly more important to both individuals and companies. For the most part, gone are the days when talent was prepared to join businesses that lacked a welcoming culture, and also gone are the days when businesses accepted people who did not align with their culture. With values being so important, it seems obvious that they should have some part to play in the hiring process.
Values can be defined as the core principles and beliefs that influence the way a person acts and makes decisions. They can include traits such as integrity, teamwork, respect, innovation, and empathy. They differ from skills, qualifications, and experience, and allow companies to find and attract talent who would fit seamlessly into their own values and culture.
The role of values in company culture:
Whilst it is perhaps surprising, values govern a large amount of business workings. From how people treat one another to how they approach their work—a lot of this is based on how they align with business values. When employees share the same core values as the organization, it fosters a sense of unity and purpose. This alignment not only enhances collaboration and mutual respect among team members but also drives consistent decision-making and ethical behavior. Ultimately, a strong alignment of values can lead to higher job satisfaction, increased productivity, and a more resilient organizational culture.
At Day One, our values are fundamental to the cohesion and success of our team. Challenge, respect, enjoy, and reward are the governing themes that run throughout every element of our business and ensure that our entire CREW is happy, helpful, and productive. They create a culture that allows individuals and teams to thrive and apply their own interpretation of the values to their role
Hiring and values:
So, why is it that you should include values in your hiring process? Incorporating values increases employee engagement, as employees feel a deeper connection to the organization’s mission and culture, allowing them to contribute more effectively. There is also a larger sense of team cohesion and community as a result of the shared values and mission of the individuals. Companies are also more likely to see long-term retention, and their employees will feel they are part of a business that aligns with what matters to them on a personal basis.
How can you incorporate values into your hiring process?
Hiring with values in mind seems to make perfect sense—so how can you do it? Start by clearly defining your organization’s core values and ensuring they are communicated effectively throughout the hiring process. Develop interview questions that assess candidates’ alignment with these values, such as asking about past experiences that demonstrate their commitment to teamwork, integrity, or innovation. Utilize behavioral assessments and situational judgment tests to gain deeper insights into candidates’ value systems.
Additionally, involve multiple team members in the interview process to get a well-rounded view of how well a candidate’s values align with the organization’s culture. By integrating these strategies, you can build a team that not only has the necessary skills but also shares a common vision and purpose, leading to a more cohesive and motivated workforce.
Another thing you could do is to utilize a platform like Day One, which allows both candidates and companies to detail their values and matches businesses to talent that align with their own company culture.
Conclusion:
Incorporating values into the hiring process is not just a trend but a strategic approach to building a strong, cohesive, and motivated workforce. By prioritizing values, companies can ensure that their employees are not only skilled but also aligned with the organization’s mission and culture. This alignment leads to higher employee engagement, better teamwork, and long-term retention, ultimately contributing to the overall success and resilience of the organization. Find out more here.
