How to Make Company Values Part of Everyday Work
Turn your company values into everyday actions that shape a positive, thriving workplace culture
When we talk about building a great workplace, it’s easy to think about team socials, flexible working, or fancy coffee machines. But the real magic of a thriving business? That comes down to culture and the values that underpin it.
Values: More Than Just Words on a Wall
Most companies have a set of values. But let’s be honest, in many workplaces, those values end up in the staff handbook or on a poster, gathering dust. The real test of values is whether your people can feel them every day.
- Do your values shape how decisions are made?
- Do they influence how people treat one another?
- Do they guide how you recruit, lead, and grow?
If the answer isn’t a confident yes, then it might be time to revisit how your culture and values are embedded.
““Culture is how your people experience your values, not just on paper, but in every meeting, decision, and conversation.
When values are lived, not just listed, your business becomes a place where people want to work, grow, and stay.
Why Culture Matters (Now More Than Ever)
Culture isn’t just about making work feel good, it directly impacts performance, retention, and business success. In today’s competitive market, people want more than just a pay-check. They want purpose, connection, and to work in an environment where they feel valued.
Companies with strong, lived values tend to have:
- Higher employee engagement
- Lower turnover
- Stronger collaboration and innovation
- Better reputations as employers
5 Ways to Embed Culture and Live Your Values Daily
- Start at Recruitment
Attract people who align with your culture by showcasing your values in job ads and interviews. Ask candidates how they relate to your values and how they’ve demonstrated them in the past.
- Onboard with Purpose
Use onboarding to instil your values early. Share real examples of how your team lives those values and how new hires can contribute.
- Align Policies and Processes
Your policies should reflect your values in action. For example, if you value compassion, ensure your wellbeing policies, flexible working options, and support systems reflect that.
- Lead by Example
Leaders set the tone. Train managers to model values in their day-to-day actions, whether that’s giving feedback, making decisions, or handling challenges.
- Recognise and Reward Value-Led Behaviour
Celebrate people who embody your values. Public recognition, awards, or even a simple shout-out can reinforce the behaviours you want to see.
Building Culture is Ongoing
Culture isn’t set once and forgotten. It needs regular reflection, feedback, and evolution. Ask your team how they experience your values and what could improve. When people feel heard and involved, culture strengthens naturally.
How HR Ready Can Help
At HR Ready, we support businesses to:
- Define meaningful, authentic values
- Align HR policies and onboarding with culture
- Train leaders to model and reinforce values
- Support team development through tools like Insights Discovery
Let’s build a workplace where values aren’t just written down, they’re lived, felt, and celebrated every day.