Having a value-led HR approach in the business supports the alignment of HR practices to the values and culture.
Values are not just words prepared by senior management; they need embedding into the business to enable a foundation for how the company operates.
Each business value shows the fundamental principles associated. Examples include:
- Acting with integrity
- Taking responsibility
- To be respectful
Associated HR practices include:
Recruitment – to seek and attract future employees that are aligned to the values. Interview questions can be aligned to how you expect people to behave e.g. with your clients, how they approach situations, how they manage their team.
Training – for reinforcement of the values, and to ensure that employees have the skills needed to carry out their job. Training managers to equip them with the skills to make decisions aligned to the business, and to communicate in line with the work environment will support alignment to the overall business and can reduce potential conflicts and performance issues.
Employee relations – values are critical in shaping a strong employee relationship. Where there is a shared purpose employees feel valued and are more likely be more productive. Building trust results in increased retention.
Performance – aligning employees to the overall direction of the business, identifying objectives that reflect of company successes are more likely to lead to better results.
Values and culture happen when the business and the people operate in alignment. People will display the values adopted by observing their colleagues and their management team.
What businesses can do
- Identify the core business values
- Communicate the values to their people
- Determine the associated practices: for the purpose of this report include your HR practices. For other practices this may include your terms and conditions relating to clients / customers, operational practices
- Train line managers to align their behaviours to the company culture and values. This can also incorporate awareness of HR processes in line with employment legislation
Nockolds HR can provide guidance on adopting a values-led business, working as your strategic partner to identify and embed your values into your business. To discuss this with our HR Consultants reach out to us for a free telephone assessment on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and we will be in touch.