Welcome to the heart of your organization! Imagine a workplace where everyone is not just clocking in but is genuinely invested in the mission. A place where values aren’t just words framed on a wall but are the very fabric of daily interactions. In the whirlwind of everyday tasks, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Aligning your team with company values can transform the workplace culture, turning everyday interactions into meaningful connections.

In this post, we’ll explore the significance of company values across generations and share five engaging activities designed to help your team connect with these values—whether you’re all in the same room or miles apart.

The Importance of Company Values

Why Reinforce Team Values?

Company values serve as a guiding compass for your organization, providing direction and clarity. Here’s why they matter:

1. Guidance and Direction: Values illuminate the path for decision-making, ensuring everyone is moving in the same direction.

2. Enhanced Team Cohesion: When team members share common values, they create an unbreakable bond, fostering collaboration and trust.

3. Improved Employee Engagement: Understanding and embracing company values empowers employees, sparking passion for their work.

4. Positive Company Culture: A strong value system cultivates an environment of trust and respect, attracting top talent and enhancing the organization’s reputation.

The Disengagement Dilemma

Recent statistics reveal a concerning trend in employee engagement. According to Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace report, only 33% of employees in the U.S. are engaged at work, leaving a staggering 67% feeling either disengaged or actively disengaged. Various factors contribute to this disengagement, often influenced by generational trends:

• Gen Z (born 1997-2012): This generation values mental health and work-life balance. A Deloitte survey found that 61% of Gen Z employees reported feeling stressed in the workplace, primarily due to a lack of support and understanding from their employers.
• Millennials (born 1981-1996): Known for prioritizing purpose, 54% of Millennials report feeling disconnected from their company’s mission, according to a LinkedIn survey. This disconnection can lead to lower productivity and increased turnover rates.
• Gen X (born 1965-1980): Often viewed as the “sandwich generation,” Gen X employees experience burnout from balancing personal and professional responsibilities. The Work Institute’s 2023 Retention Report noted that 27% of Gen X workers left jobs due to burnout, highlighting the need for strong company values that support work-life balance.
• Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964): While they may have higher engagement levels compared to younger generations, Baby Boomers still face challenges with technological changes. A survey by AARP found that 52% of older workers feel their contributions are undervalued, leading to feelings of disengagement.

These statistics point to a critical need for organizations to proactively address disengagement. One powerful solution lies in aligning team members with the company’s values.

By fostering a strong connection between employees and the organization’s mission, businesses can create an environment where individuals feel valued and understood. When team members recognize their contributions to a larger purpose, it instills a sense of belonging and significance. For instance, organizations that integrate their values into daily operations and decision-making processes can help employees see how their work directly impacts the company’s success, thus reducing feelings of disconnection.

Moreover, clear communication of values can provide employees with the reassurance they need. When they understand that their organization prioritizes values such as integrity, innovation, and collaboration, it builds trust and motivates them to engage more fully with their work, even amidst challenges.

Five Activities to Align Team Values

Now that we understand the importance of values, let’s explore five engaging activities designed to align your team with company values. These activities are suitable for both in-person and virtual settings, ensuring inclusivity and participation.

Activity 1: Values Workshop

Objective: Identify and discuss the company values that resonate most with the team.

Instructions:

• In-Person: Provide sticky notes and pens. Have team members write down important company values, then categorize and discuss them as a group.
• Virtual: Use a virtual whiteboard tool (e.g., Miro, Jamboard). Invite participants to post their values and categorize them together.

Activity 2: Vision Statement Mapping

Objective: Create a visual representation of the team’s vision statement and how individual roles contribute to achieving it.

Instructions:

• In-Person: Prepare a large piece of paper or a whiteboard. Team members draw connections from the vision statement to their roles, illustrating contributions.
• Virtual: Use a collaborative tool like Miro. Share the vision statement and let participants add their roles to the canvas.

Activity 3: Values Alignment Challenge

Objective: Encourage team members to reflect on how they embody company values through a fun challenge.

Instructions:

• In-Person: Create a values checklist for a two-week challenge where team members document instances of values in action. Share inspiring stories in a group setting.
• Virtual: Use a shared document to log values in action. Conclude with a virtual meeting to share stories and celebrate those who exemplified the values.

Activity 4: Mission Statement Role Play

Objective: Internalize the mission statement through role-playing scenarios.

Instructions:

• In-Person: Prepare relevant scenarios for team members to act out, demonstrating how to apply the mission in real situations. Debrief after each role play.
• Virtual: Share scenarios in advance and use breakout rooms for small groups to role play. Regroup to discuss insights gained.

Activity 5: Values Reflection Journal

Objective: Foster a deeper understanding of company values through personal storytelling.

Instructions:

• In-Person: Organize a “Values Story Circle.” Gather team members in a comfortable setting and encourage each person to share a brief story that exemplifies a company value in action. After each story, allow a few minutes for group reflection and discussion on the lessons learned from each experience.
• Virtual: Host a “Values Story Share” session via video conferencing. Create a cozy atmosphere by encouraging participants to share their screens with personal images or props related to their stories. Set a timer for each person (about 3-5 minutes) to share their story. Afterward, facilitate a group discussion in the chat or open floor about the values illustrated in each story and how they can be applied moving forward.

As you embark on the journey of aligning your team with company values, remember that this process is not a one-time event but an ongoing adventure. Strong company values are your secret weapon in navigating employee disengagement, providing stability, encouraging adaptability, and fostering trust among your team.

Engaged employees who feel connected to their company’s mission are more likely to stay, thrive, and contribute to a vibrant workplace culture. So, roll up your sleeves, dive into these activities, and watch your team transform into a powerhouse of positivity, purpose, and performance.

Ready to elevate your team’s engagement? Let’s make values matter!