Työarvot

Työarvot are the values and norms that guide behavior and decision-making in work contexts. They can be personal values carried into the workplace or organizational values adopted by a company or team. They express what is considered important in work life, such as integrity, reliability, teamwork, customer focus, innovation, safety, and sustainability.

Role and function: Work values influence everyday actions, shape organizational culture, and guide policies. They affect performance, job satisfaction, and recruitment. When personal values align with organizational values, employees are typically more engaged and retained; misalignment can lead to conflicts or unethical behavior and reduced motivation.

Common examples: Values frequently highlighted in workplaces include honesty and integrity, accountability, respect for colleagues and customers, teamwork, quality and efficiency, safety, continuous learning, adaptability, and a service orientation. The emphasis on certain values can vary by industry, company culture, and national context.

Formation and communication: Work values arise from individuals’ backgrounds, education, and professional norms, as well as from organizational cultures. Companies often articulate core values in codes of conduct or mission statements. Onboarding, training, leadership behavior, and HR practices reinforce these values, while policies, performance management, and recognition programs connect daily work to stated ideals.

Measurement and management: Assessing work values can involve surveys, interviews, and performance reviews to gauge alignment between personal and organizational values. Organizations may use value-based leadership development and recognition to strengthen adherence to core principles.

Challenges: Values can be abstract and sometimes vague in practice. A gap between espoused values and everyday behavior (hypocrisy) undermines trust. Multicultural workplaces may require dialogue to reconcile different value sets and ensure consistent application.