If your workday feels like it’s draining all energy from your spirit, and the workplace has become so unbearable, you spend more time on coffee runs than data runs, there’s a chance your personal values aren’t lining up with the workplace values. 

Working inauthentically and without connection to the broader corporate purpose can feel discombobulating. Here’s how you can figure out if misaligned values are causing your internal compass to spin. 

In this guide: 

• Get clear on your own values and their importance
• Get clear on your employer’s values
• Address the gaps and overlaps

1. Get clear on your own values and their importance 

Most people want to make a meaningful contribution to their work. But when we don’t believe in the mission, or we don’t personally align with how that mission is carried out, a tiny seed of discontentment can sprout. 

Getting clear on your own values and goals can provide you with that all important internal reference point by which to evaluate situations and live with more integrity and authenticity. 

If you aren’t aware of your values, here are three things you can do to work them out. 

1. Reflect on times of success in your life. Which qualities were most present and conducive to your feelings of success? 
2. Reflect on any setbacks or failures throughout your life. Which qualities were missing that contributed to the unfavourable outcome? 
3. Make a list of people you admire. What is it about them that inspires you? 

Once you have your list, consider ordering these values by priority and identify why each is important to you.

2. Get clear on your workplace values 

Most employers list their driving values on the career site to lure in aligned candidates. But sometimes? The promise doesn’t match the reality. 

It’s worthwhile checking in on the values they sprout to assess their authenticity and see how they stack up against your own. Sometimes, big life events can alter what we value and shift our priorities. Consider: 

• Are your employer’s values clearly defined and consistent with your experiences? 
• Are they lived on the daily or just stuck on the lift lobby wall? 
• Does the workplace culture encourage team members to discuss values and share ideas and celebrations for putting them into actions? 

3. Address the gaps and overlaps 

When comparing values, be curious about any glaring gaps. An example could be an emphasis on excellence is coming at a cost to employee mental health and productivity. 

Gaps don’t necessarily mean that all is lost. It may be possible for you to focus on the values that overlap instead, or it may even be possible that your core values are what the organisation so desperately needs more of! 

And if it’s not possible to influence change or make peace with the gaps?

It could be time to consider a career move. 

Living and working in values alignment 

Living and working in alignment with your values brings a certain energy to life; you’re more likely to feel motivated to do well, feel good about your work and your successes, and feel good about your team and work relationships. Once you’re clear on your core values, you can make better, more aligned decisions about your career and life.