Every company claims to have values, but how often do those values truly guide actions and decisions? Consider this: a growing tech startup, once lauded for its collaborative culture, faced mounting employee turnover and a declining sense of unity. The culprit? A disconnect between its stated values and everyday practices. By intentionally recommitting to its core principles, the company turned its culture around—and so can you.
Whether you’re looking to reinvigorate a once-vibrant culture or build a stronger foundation, here are eight actionable ways to recommit to your values and strengthen your company culture.
1. Clarify and Communicate Your Core Values
Your values are the foundation of your culture, but are they clear and meaningful to your team? Start by revisiting them. Host a team workshop to discuss what the values mean and how they should influence daily decisions.
Quick win: Create a values guidebook with real-life examples of behaviors that reflect your principles and share it during team meetings.
2. Model Values-Driven Leadership
Leaders set the tone for culture, and actions speak louder than words. When employees see leaders prioritizing values over short-term gains, it builds trust and alignment.
Example: If transparency is a core value, share the “why” behind key decisions—even tough ones. This shows that your values aren’t negotiable.
Reflect: How do your day-to-day decisions demonstrate the values you expect your team to uphold?
3. Integrate Values into Daily Operations
Values should shape how you hire, onboard, and recognize employees. If inclusion is a priority, integrate it into everything from job descriptions to performance reviews.
Quick win: Add a “How this aligns with our values” section to company announcements and project updates to reinforce alignment.
4. Celebrate Value-Aligned Behaviors
Recognition facilitates repetition. Celebrate employees who embody your values through shout-outs in meetings, awards programs, or internal newsletters.
Example: Start a “Values in Action” series where employees nominate peers who go above and beyond to live the company’s values. Share these stories company-wide.
Statistic: 77.9% of employees say they would be more productive if they received more frequent praise.
5. Open Dialogue About What’s Working—and What’s Not
Culture isn’t static, and neither are values in action. Create spaces where employees can share their honest feedback about how well the company is living its values.
Quick win: Use a simple anonymous survey to ask employees, “How often do you see our values in action?” and “What’s one thing we could do better?” Share the results and take action.
Reflect: When was the last time you asked your team how they perceive the company’s values?
6. Revisit Your Mission Through Team Activities
Reignite your team’s connection to your mission with collaborative activities that bring values to life.
Example: If community involvement is a value, organize a volunteer day or match employee donations to local charities.
Quick win: Use quarterly all-hands meetings to share how the company’s work ties back to its mission and values.
7. Train and Develop with Values in Mind
Invest in training programs that align with your values and support your culture. If continuous learning is a priority, offer regular skill-building workshops. If inclusion is key, prioritize training on topics like psychological safety and unconscious bias.
8. Hold Everyone Accountable
Accountability isn’t just for leaders—it’s for everyone. Create a culture where employees feel empowered to call out behaviors that contradict your values.
Quick win: Add a values check to your performance reviews, asking employees to share how they’ve upheld values in their work.
Checklist: Start Recommitting to Your Values Today
- Host a team workshop to clarify your core values.
- Recognize employees who embody values in visible ways.
- Create opportunities for feedback about cultural alignment.
- Embed values into hiring, onboarding, and operational decisions.
- Provide training that reflects your commitment to values.
Your Call to Action
Building a strong company culture takes intentional effort and continuous commitment. By aligning your actions with your values, you create a workplace where employees feel inspired and connected to something bigger. Strong cultures don’t just happen—they’re built, nurtured, and celebrated. What steps will you take to recommit to your values today?