Search Series: Developing Your Work Values

In the first installment of our search series, we look at the process of identifying work values and the benefits of finding an organization in which they resonate.

Simply put, work values are the qualities, principles and standards that matter to you in your professional life. Defining them helps guide your job search, filter opportunities and can ultimately be the guiding factor towards a career that satisfies you on a personal level.

Defining your work values

Why we work and the type of work we do can be influenced by our work values. For example, if a primary work value is to help others, you may find yourself in an industry that encompasses this value such as teaching, healthcare or social assistance. Though some work values may be obvious, identifying them isn’t always easy. To compile your list, here are some key questions to help in your self-reflection.

• What types of work do I enjoy? Influencing or helping others? A component of physicality?
• What types of conditions do I prefer? Office vs outdoors? Travel?
• How do I like to work? Independently or in a team? Closed off or in an open space?
• What impacts me? Flexible hours? Remote work option? Interaction with people? Growth opportunities?

By ranking your answers from in order of priority, you’ll have a basis to start identifying the values that matter most.

Tying work values to your job search

Determining your work values can have an eye-opening effect on your job search. A list of prioritized values will narrow your search and help you to be selective — ensuring you find an opportunity that’s in line with the direction you’re heading in. Here are some common values that can influence your job search and may even open your eyes to opportunities you may have once not considered.

• Compensation: receiving fair pay for your work performance
• Leadership: the opportunity to direct or mentor colleagues within the workplace
• Independence: the ability to work and make decisions independently
• Job Security: confidence that the organization will allow you to remain employed
• Recognition: an environment that recognizes and rewards hard work or success
• Relationships: a setting in which you can develop relationships with your colleagues
• Support: hierarchical structure in which you can reach out to management and/or colleagues for help, as needed
• Helping Others: tasks or organizational programs that impact a community
• Creativity: ability to think “outside the box” or to incorporate your ideas within your work
• Variety: option to perform differing tasks

Be sure to re-evaluate your values annually. Changes in your personal life or professional development can often shift your work values. Staying on top of your evolving work values will help keep you in the driver’s seat of your career.

Looking for a career that satisfies all your work values? Adecco has the perfect fit for you! Contact your local Adecco branch and register for free today!