Work can be so much more fulfilling when you have a role and team that aligns with your work values.
How do I know what work is right for me?
We’ve all asked this question at some point throughout our careers. We tend to think that we need to choose a career and stick to it for the rest of our lives, but that’s not true - especially in today’s fast-changing world.
What are work values?
Think of work values as your personal compass - they are beliefs about what matters most to you in your career and workplace. These values reflect what you find meaningful and important at work.
Research supports that values are not theoretical, but a measurable factor that includes job satisfaction, employee engagement, performance and commitment. Our People Science team, including Dr. Sandra Matz (Associate Professor of Management at Columbia Business School) and Leanne Lee (Organisational Psychologist), has developed a comprehensive approach to understanding how individual values shape workplace experiences. Our framework integrates key theories such as Schwartz's Theory of Basic Values, Person-Environment Fit Theory, and the Theory of Work Adjustment to explore how personal values influence how we experience work.
For example, some people are energised by ambitious goals and recognition of achievements, while others prioritise making a positive impact on society. Some might value a workplace with clear processes and high standards, while others thrive in environments that emphasise creativity and innovation.
