The Values Insights Series - The Power of Values in Today's Workplace

Welcome to this three-part exploration into how values shape our work, our teams, and our organisations. Each article can be read independently or as part of the complete series, offering insights for professionals at every level (Part 2 and Part 3)

Understanding your personal values fit 

When was the last time you felt truly alive at work? You know that feeling - when everything clicks, your work matters, and Monday mornings feel full of possibility instead of dread. 

Now flip that: remember your last "eek" moment? That stomach-dropping sensation when you realise your workplace values and personal values are as mismatched as socks in the laundry. 

We've all been there. That 'eek' feeling. You know the one - where your stomach does that weird flip that no amount of coffee can fix. Maybe it hits you on Sunday night, or perhaps it's lurking in those Monday morning meetings where you're nodding along while internally screaming "this just doesn't feel right!" 

The Great Values Shift 

The thing is, it's not just you being dramatic (though maybe that extra coffee isn't helping). The answer lies in a fundamental shift happening in our workplaces. While traditional retention strategies focusing on compensation and benefits once worked - kind of like putting a fancy Band-Aid on a deeper issue - today's professionals are seeking something more. We want meaning, purpose, and alignment with our work. 

"Australian workplaces are discovering that while skills can be taught, values alignment is what keeps people engaged and performing. It's the difference between having employees who just show up, and those who show up ready to contribute their best," explains Professor Julie Cogin, leading researcher in workplace culture. 

From my experience coaching professionals, I've seen this 'eek' feeling manifest in all sorts of ways. It's like watching a reality TV show, but instead of dramatic rose ceremonies, we have: 

• The marketing manager who dies inside every time their company claims to be "eco-friendly" (plot twist: they just discovered what a carbon footprint actually means) 
• The team leader who loves collaboration being told to rank their team members (hello, Hunger Games: Corporate Edition) 
• The HR manager who believes in open communication working for a company that treats basic information like they're guarding the final episode spoilers of Ted Lasso 
• The innovation specialist whose fresh ideas keep getting met with "but we've always done it this way" 
• The project manager trying to be flexible (agile – yes I used that word) while their company moves slower than a Netflix show you're only watching because you're too invested to quit 

The Real Impact: Beyond the Numbers 

Here's what the research tells us - AHRI's findings show this values mismatch is significantly impacting businesses, with 60% struggling with retention. This isn't just about people leaving jobs; it's about organisations losing talent, knowledge, and momentum. 

The impact is substantial - when 73% of businesses identify managing different values as a challenge, we're facing a fundamental business issue. This misalignment costs organisations far more than just recruitment and training expenses. It affects: 

• Team Performance: Aligned teams are 21% more profitable 
• Innovation: Companies with strong values alignment report 37% higher innovation rates 
• Customer Satisfaction: Values-aligned organisations see 23% higher customer satisfaction scores 

Success Stories: When Values Click 

Let's look at real success stories. Companies that consistently rank as top employers in Australia, like REA Group and SEEK, demonstrate the power of values alignment. 

"Values aren't just words on a wall – they're the principles we live by every day," says Ian Narev, CEO of SEEK. "When your company values align with personal values, that's when you see real magic happen in terms of innovation, collaboration and business outcomes." 

Research from the Great Place to Work Australia shows that organisations with strong values alignment typically see: 

• Higher employee engagement scores 
• Lower turnover rates compared to industry averages 
• Stronger financial performance 
• Better ability to attract top talent 

Enter Values Insights: Your 'Eek' Feeling Translator 

This is where Values Insights (Skills DX) comes in - think of it as your personal values GPS, helping you understand why certain workplace environments make you want to U-turn right out of there. 

This evidence-based tool helps you: 

• Discover what values energise you (beyond free coffee and casual Fridays) 
• Understand why some work environments feel right while others don't 
• Identify the type of workplace culture where you'll thrive 
• Map out your values profile for informed career decisions 

The Future of Work is Values-Driven 

As we move into an era where AI handles more technical tasks, human qualities and values become increasingly crucial. Research shows: 

• 85% of jobs in 2030 haven't been invented yet 
• Emotional intelligence and values alignment will be top skills 
• Companies prioritising values alignment see 3x better retention rates 

Ready to decode your workplace values and turn that 'eek' into 'eek!-citing'? Skills DX offers a Values Insights assessment that will help you understand: 

• Your core workplace values 
• What truly motivates you 
• How your values align with different workplace cultures 
• Where you might find your best cultural fit 

Because let's face it - life's too short for Sunday night dread, and your career deserves better than being a series of 'eek' moments strung together with free coffee and hope. 

Want to turn your workplace story from a drama series into a success story? 

Take the Skills DX - Values Insights Assessment today through Skills Development Group. Because understanding your values isn't just about feeling good - it's about finding your 'right fit' workplace where every day feels less 'eek' and more 'unique-ly you'.