Making values visible in the company

Values are at the heart of a vibrant and successful corporate culture. Nevertheless, they often remain invisible in everyday working life or are not really applied. Companies have the opportunity, and also the responsibility, to make values visible, tangible, and effective within the company! This gives employees orientation and motivation and strengthens teamwork. In this article, you will learn how to make values tangible in your company and actively contribute to the further development of your corporate culture.

Developing values together and making them visible

Values are particularly powerful when they are developed jointly by the team of company representatives. This can be achieved, for example, through moderated workshops or open discussions with colleagues from different departments. This allows both sides to learn which values are truly lived out in everyday working life and which are particularly important to the people in the company. Encourage an open atmosphere for discussion and ensure that the different perspectives of everyone from the workforce to senior management are heard. You can then document and visualize the jointly developed values: posters, information boards, or digital boards are great for keeping the values present in everyday life. It is also important to integrate the values into existing processes. Make sure they are recorded in company agreements, mission statements, and onboarding materials. This will ensure that the values remain permanently in the consciousness and shape the actions within the company.

Embedding values in everyday work

However, values only have an effect if they are actually lived out. Make sure that these values are firmly anchored in the everyday life of your company. This can be achieved, for example, through regular feedback sessions in which you reflect together on how well the values are being lived out in your daily interactions. Anonymous surveys, short pulse checks, or a feedback box can be used here—the most important thing is continuous exchange. Speak to managers specifically and encourage them to exemplify the agreed values and to bring them up again and again in meetings. Whether it's dealing with mistakes constructively, transparency in decision-making, or taking a visible stand against discrimination, these are all concrete ways in which values can be demonstrated in everyday life. In doing so, you not only strengthen the working atmosphere, but also make an important contribution to the corporate culture!

Support democratic participation

Employee representatives have a legal obligation to participate in shaping corporate culture (Section 87 (1) BetrVG). Make use of this right of co-determination and ensure that values are not lost sight of when new projects, changes, or digital tools are introduced. In this way, you are not only a representative of the workforce, but also an active promoter of a value-oriented corporate culture. Consider together how values can be better reflected in everyday work. With clear and open communication and binding agreements, you create trust and a common understanding, the perfect foundation for a strong corporate culture. Together, you can really make a difference. As a works council, election committee, or employee representative, putting values at the center sends an important signal of solidarity, fairness, and respect. Not only does this make the workplace more attractive, it also gives the entire company clear direction. Stay on the ball, inspire your colleagues, and help shape the future step by step!