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Understanding Core Work Values

Find job satisfaction in a company with a defined mission.

They’ve been called “cultural cornerstones”1 and hailed as a component of some of today’s most successful companies.2 They are core work values, the principles that help define a company’s purpose and guide the efforts of employees from the entry level to the C-suite.

“Workplace culture is the manifestation of the company’s beliefs and values,” said Justin Ahrens, founder of the brand-building company Rule29, in an interview with Robert Half Talent Solutions. “… These beliefs and values have to be established early on and used to help identify the right fit for the right employees and the right clients. The rules that need to be followed are pretty straightforward—be true to your values.”3

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Examples of Core Work Values

Companies may use different ways to describe their core work values, but there are often common themes such as teamwork, diversity and inclusion, and accountability.

HubSpot, the sales and marketing software company whose Culture Code has attracted more than 5 million views,4 compiled the following list of some of “the best company values”:5

  • Integrity
  • Boldness
  • Honesty
  • Trust
  • Accountability
  • Commitment to customers
  • Passion
  • Fun
  • Humility
  • Continuous learning
  • Ownership
  • Constant improvement
  • Leadership
  • Diversity
  • Innovation
  • Quality
  • Teamwork
  • Simplicity

Core Work Values in Action

Sometimes called guiding principles, core work values should be specific to each business and mission. Here are some examples of high-profile companies that are embracing the use of core values.

Patagonia, the global outdoor clothing retailer known for its support of environmental and social justice causes, reflects that commitment in its core values:6

  • Quality: Build the best product, provide the best service, and constantly improve everything we do.
  • Integrity: Examine our practices openly and honestly, learn from our mistakes, and meet our commitments.
  • Environmentalism: Protect our home planet.
  • Justice: Be just, equitable, and antiracist as a company and in our community.
  • Not bound by convention: Do it our way.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) says its guiding principles “have been a driver of culture, employee engagement, and work experience.” They are:7

  • Bold purpose
  • Excellence and accountability
  • Flexibility and agility
  • Smart and curious
  • Collaborative openness

Beauty brand L’Oréal says these core work values “are at the heart of everything”:8

  • Passion
  • Innovation
  • Entrepreneurial spirit
  • Open-mindedness
  • Quest for excellence
  • Responsibility

At World Wide Technology, a global technology solution provider, core work values are called “the path to employee and company success” and are defined as:9

  • Trust: In character and competency
  • Humility: Stay grounded; never forget where you come from
  • Embrace change: Diversity of people and thought
  • Passion: A strong work ethic
  • Attitude: Be positive and open-minded
  • Team player: Proactively share ideas
  • Honesty and integrity: Adherence to high standards

Add Value With a College Degree

You can boost your self-confidence and help build a better workplace in your chosen career field by investing in your professional growth. Earning an online college degree can give you the knowledge and skills employers look for, and help you find job satisfaction.

Get started by building foundational knowledge in an online bachelor’s degree program. Walden University offers BS degree programs in fields including business, education, nursing, and social work. If you’ve reached the master’s degree level, you’ll find nearly 30 MS programs. At Walden you also have a choice of doctoral degree programs that can help you achieve your highest professional goals.

A leader in distance education for more than 50 years, Walden is committed to providing opportunities for working professionals who want to earn career- and life-enhancing degrees. With a laptop and internet connection, you can set your weekly schedule and log in to your online classes where and when it works for you.

Earning an online degree can prepare you for career advancement or a new career. If lifelong learning is one of your personal core values, choose an accredited online college that allows you to create a work-life balance while you earn a degree.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering certificate programs and bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs online. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

1Source: https://hbr.org/2002/07/make-your-values-mean-something
2Source: www.fastcompany.com/90540359/the-10-essentials-to-building-a-values-driven-company
3Source: www.roberthalf.com/blog/management-tips/how-to-develop-organizational-values-qa-with-rule29s-justin-ahrens
4Source: https://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/34234/The-HubSpot-Culture-Code-Creating-a-Company-We-Love.aspx
5Source: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/company-values
6Source: www.patagonia.com/core-values/
7Source: www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-news/pages/workplace-culture-at-shrm-grounded-in-guiding-principles.aspx
8Source: www.loreal.com/en/group/culture-and-heritage/our-values-and-mindset/
9Source: www.wwt.com/corporate/why-wwt/culture

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.

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