Values in the workplace - why do they matter?
By Lisa Hunter, Executive Assistant
What do values mean, what are they for and why do they matter?
For me, values are the backstage of what we project out into the world. They explain what drives us and why we do things. They are important because we recognise like-values and build relationships and partnerships based on these.
The trouble with values, is that sometimes what’s happening behind the scenes doesn’t match what is being presented. When this happens, values become an image that is marketed for the desired outcome of a person or organisation’s true values.
I started working for Prospectus in 2010 as an Account Executive in the Recruitment Advertising Team. I was freshly out of university with only a couple of years work experience. Working for publishing houses and creative agencies, I had begun volunteering alongside my work and was looking (as so many of us were) to work for a charity. Thinking I would stay for a year or two, I quickly realised there was something different about Prospectus - our values of Community, Collaboration and Trust. I was trusted to see where I wanted to develop within the organisation and leave when I wanted to pursue other opportunities. Because of this, I have left to explore other areas of work and returned because of the people and these values. I am trusted to work remotely with flexible hours, managing my own workload and time around the priorities of the organisation. This has allowed me to support my family by working for an organisation with purpose, study for a Master’s Degree and raise three members of a future generation alongside this.
The values of Prospectus are the main reason I work here. They have retained me and brought me back, acting as a common thread between several different roles I have had within the organisation. I believe Prospectus is built on a strong foundation of matching inward and outward values with time dedicated at all levels to ensure we are who we say we are. As individuals and an organisation, we make mistakes, we have blind spots, but we learn, grow and evolve constantly. I know that aside from making money for our families and progressing our careers, we want to make a difference to a sector very close to our hearts. I trust this organisation. I see how hard everyone tries here at Prospectus to make the world a better place and it makes me proud to work here.
I promise I’m not trying to put anyone off from ever leaving Prospectus. It’s healthy to explore your personal development if a place of work can’t offer what you need. But if you do ever think about moving on, look closely behind the curtain and make sure the values presented externally match those reflected backstage.