What is one company value that resonates most strongly with employees, and how is it brought to life in the workplace? What makes this value so impactful? We asked 18 leaders to share their insights, offering real-world examples of how values drive success in the workplace.
- Focus on Empathy Enhances Corporate Culture
- Embrace Anytime Value for Flexibility
- Mission-Driven Innovation Transforms Lives
- User-Centric Design Philosophy in Action
- Authenticity Builds Strong Relationships
- Simplify Everything for Effective Solutions
- Adaptability Empowers Creative Solutions
- Compassion in Advocacy Builds Trust
- Curiosity Fuels Continuous Learning
- Collaboration Over Competition Drives Success
- Sustainability Central to Whits Corporation
- Innovation Drives Success at Varyence
- Transparency Fosters Trust and Inclusion
- Respect for Individuals Creates Inclusive Culture
- Support Encourages Employee Development
- Flexibility Honors Work-Life Balance
- Integrity Creates Culture of Trust
- Carbon Neutrality Reflects Company Values
How Leaders Bring Company Values to Life
Focus on Empathy Enhances Corporate Culture
I have found that placing a focus on empathy goes a long way with employees and enhances a corporate culture and worksite. We embody empathy with our team by frequent communication (in the platform that works best for them), providing kind feedback and guidance, working to understand how the team is doing, and taking all steps necessary to provide the tools they need to execute their role. Our team has shared with us that our commitment to detailed instructions, frequent communication, and open-minded approach helps them feel valued and excited about the work they are doing.
Beryl Krinsky
Founder & CEO, B.Komplete
Embrace Anytime Value for Flexibility
We heavily lean into our “anytime” value. As a fully remote team, we realized that micromanaging was bound to fail, so we went in the other direction: as long as you get the work done well, do it anytime you want. If you’re a night owl who’s most productive at 1 a.m., go for it. If you like to take a few hours in the middle of the day to be with family, no problem. Among other positive outcomes, this value encourages us to maintain our asynchronous project management style and focus on output metrics over anything else.
Jimmy Hayes
Co-Founder, Minaal
Mission-Driven Innovation Transforms Lives
The value that resonates most deeply with our team is what we call “mission-driven innovation.” It’s not just a catchy phrase—it’s the core belief that our work has the power to transform lives and communities through public service. This shared sense of purpose is what gets us excited to come to work every day.
So how do we bring this value to life? It starts with making sure every team member understands and internalizes our “why.” We’re not just here to fill jobs—we’re here to connect passionate people with opportunities to make a real difference. We reinforce this constantly, from our hiring and onboarding to our daily standups and celebrations.
But it’s not just talk—we back it up with action. When we’re evaluating new technology or partnerships, the first question we always ask is: “How will this help us better serve our mission?” We’ve turned down plenty of opportunities that might have boosted our bottom line but didn’t align with our public service ethos. Our team sees this, and it reinforces that we’re all working towards something bigger than ourselves.
Here’s an example: When the pandemic hit and government agencies were scrambling to fill essential roles, our team came together and said, “How can we help?” Within weeks, we launched a new platform feature specifically for critical response jobs, waiving all fees for those postings. It wasn’t about revenue—it was about living our values and serving our community in a time of need. Our team still talks about the impact of that effort.
So why is this value so powerful? It comes down to meaning. When your team knows that their work matters, that they’re making a real difference in people’s lives, they’ll move mountains. It’s the difference between having a job and having a calling. And in an era where people are craving connection and purpose, that’s an incredibly potent motivator.
My advice to other leaders is this: Take the time to articulate your mission, not just what you do, but why it matters. Make it the North Star for every decision, and back it up with action. When you create a culture where everyone is united around a common cause, you unlock a level of engagement and innovation that’s truly transformational. That’s the power of values that aren’t just stated, but lived.
Michael Hurwitz
President/Co-Founder, Careers in Government
User-Centric Design Philosophy in Action
I’ve found that our user-centric design philosophy really comes alive when our developers spend full days shadowing healthcare professionals using our software. This hands-on approach recently led us to simplify our patient scheduling interface based on a nurse’s feedback, and watching her face light up when she saw the changes made all the extra effort worth it.
Devon Mobley
Chief Growth Officer, Calvient
Authenticity Builds Strong Relationships
For me, authenticity is a value that resonates strongly with employees. When a leader is authentic, she is building a strong relationship with her team. Leaders who are transparent, who create psychological safety, and who support employee individuality are bringing authenticity to life. By doing so, leaders build trust, strengthen employee engagement, and drive employee retention.
Scott Knutson
Founder and Chief Serving Officer, Leading2Serve
Simplify Everything for Effective Solutions
“Simplify everything” resonates because it aligns with our mission to remove complexity for users. Employees internalize this value by stripping unnecessary steps from workflows and product features. We organize regular “simplification sprints” to identify inefficiencies across teams and tools. It’s not just about minimalism—it’s about making everything more effective and intuitive. This value ensures that simplicity remains at the core of everything we do.
“Simplify everything” is transformative because it eliminates distractions and enhances focus on what matters most. Employees appreciate working in an environment where complexity is tackled head-on and minimized. It frees teams to concentrate on creating value rather than navigating convoluted processes. This mindset improves both internal efficiency and the customer experience by delivering clean, purposeful solutions. Simplicity isn’t just a principle—it’s a productivity multiplier for everyone involved.
Alari Aho
CEO and Founder, Toggl Inc
Adaptability Empowers Creative Solutions
The value that resonates most with our team is adaptability. In the fast-paced world of digital marketing and AI, the ability to pivot quickly is crucial. During a campaign for a client in the travel industry, we had to shift strategies overnight due to an unexpected regulatory change. Instead of panic, our team embraced the challenge, brainstorming creative solutions late into the night.
This culture of adaptability is created through open communication, cross-functional training, and a “fail-fast-learn-faster” mindset. It’s impactful because it empowers employees to tackle uncertainty with confidence. Knowing they have the tools and support to navigate change not only boosts morale but also ensures we consistently deliver results, no matter the curveballs.
Victor Julio Coupé
Partnerships Manager, Digital Web Solutions
Compassion in Advocacy Builds Trust
The value that drives our team is compassion in advocacy. Our work often involves helping clients navigate life-changing circumstances, and we believe empathy is as important as expertise. I remember one case where a client felt overwhelmed and hesitant to proceed with her injury claim. Instead of rushing her decision, we spent hours explaining her rights and the legal process, supporting her at every step.
Active listening, flexible communication options, and personalized client care bring this value to life. It’s impactful because clients don’t just need legal representation—they need someone who genuinely cares about their well-being. For our team, compassion isn’t just a value; it’s the cornerstone of building trust and achieving justice.
David E. Preszler
Partner, Preszler Injury Lawyers
Curiosity Fuels Continuous Learning
One of our core values that employees connect with the most is curiosity. It’s not just a nice idea—it’s something we practice every day by dedicating 1 out of 8 work hours to learning and development (L&D).
This means every employee has an hour each day to focus on growing—whether that’s learning new skills, staying updated on trends in their field, or improving in their current role. It’s not about ticking boxes or following rules. It’s about giving people the time and trust to grow in ways that matter to them and their work.
Why does this matter so much?
- It’s part of the routine. Learning isn’t something people have to figure out after hours—it’s built into the workday.
- It gives freedom. Employees decide how to use their learning time, without pressure or micromanagement.
- It builds habits. By making it part of daily life, curiosity becomes second nature.
This approach takes curiosity from a concept to something people can practice every day. It’s not just a value we talk about—it’s something we live, and it makes work more meaningful for everyone.
Sigita Šaltė
Employee Experience Manager, HR Consultant, Evolvery
Collaboration Over Competition Drives Success
One company value that resonates most strongly with our employees is “Collaboration Over Competition.” In an industry where it’s easy to get caught up in competing against others, we believe that working together, both internally and with our partners, leads to greater success and innovation. We’ve built a workplace culture where teamwork is at the core of everything we do—from product development to problem-solving to celebrating wins. This value is brought to life through regular cross-functional collaborations and open communication channels.
For example, we host monthly “innovation jams” where employees from different departments (design, engineering, marketing, etc.) come together to brainstorm new ideas or troubleshoot challenges. We also encourage mentorship and knowledge sharing, where senior employees actively support and guide newer team members. It’s not about individual performance here; it’s about building a collective intelligence that’s greater than the sum of its parts. And even in times of success, we ensure that credit is shared, reinforcing the idea that achievements are a result of teamwork, not just individual effort.
What makes this value so impactful is that it fosters a sense of belonging and collective purpose. Employees feel more connected to one another and to the company’s larger mission because they know they’re working together towards a common goal. It breaks down silos, reduces unnecessary competition, and allows for more creative solutions. In the end, when everyone pulls in the same direction, the whole company thrives—and that shared success is far more rewarding than any individual accolade.
Bryan McLaren
President, Education Graphic Solutions
Sustainability Central to Whits Corporation
One value that truly resonates with me and my team is sustainability. It’s not merely a term we use casually—it’s central to everything we engage in. I’ve constructed my company around the concept that responsible waste management can genuinely create a positive impact on the environment, and that’s something I ensure we embody and embrace every day.
We emphasize recycling non-traditional materials, such as large appliances and discarded bedding. We’ve established and expanded programs over the past decade that have shown to be both efficient and sustainable. However, sustainability isn’t solely about the items we recycle; it’s about the long-term goal of reducing waste, conserving resources, and contributing to making the planet healthier.
What renders this value so powerful is that it provides every team member with something greater to strive for. It grants us all a sense of purpose, knowing that each step we undertake is aiding in creating a cleaner and more sustainable world for future generations. That’s what truly motivates us.
Mark Whitley
CEO, Whits Corporation
Innovation Drives Success at Varyence
One value that truly resonates with our team is innovation. It’s not just a buzzword for us—it’s how we operate every single day.
We encourage everyone to bring fresh ideas to the table, no matter their role. I remember in our early days, we had a brainstorming session where a simple idea from a junior developer turned into a game-changing feature for our product. Moments like that show how important it is to listen to every voice.
We make innovation happen through regular hackathons and creative workshops. These events give everyone the chance to experiment and try new things without the fear of failure. I believe that making mistakes is part of the learning process, and this mindset helps our team stay motivated and engaged.
What makes innovation so impactful is that it keeps us ahead in the tech industry and makes our work exciting. When employees see their ideas come to life, it boosts their confidence and passion. Plus, working on new projects together strengthens our team spirit and collaboration.
With over 25 years in the tech world, I’ve seen that a focus on innovation not only drives success but also creates a vibrant and fulfilling workplace. Our dedication to being innovative ensures that we’re always moving forward and that our employees feel inspired every day.
Jason Hishmeh
Author | CTO | Founder | Tech Investor, Varyence and Get Startup Funding
Transparency Fosters Trust and Inclusion
One company value that resonates most with our employees is transparency. We don’t just talk about it, we practice it every day. We hold weekly all-hands meetings where we share company updates, challenges, and goals. We discuss not just successes, but setbacks too. This openness creates a culture of trust and inclusion. Transparency works both ways for us. We’ve implemented anonymous feedback channels and encouraged open one-on-one discussions, ensuring employees always feel heard. This approach fosters trust and ownership. When our team understands why decisions are made, they feel more connected to how to execute them. By keeping things clear and open, we empower employees to contribute meaningfully. Transparency turns employees into true partners and that makes all the difference.
Vikrant Bhalodia
Head of Marketing & People Ops, WeblineIndia
Respect for Individuals Creates Inclusive Culture
One company value that resonates strongly with employees across organizations is “Respect for Individuals.” This value is impactful because it fosters a culture of inclusion, dignity, and collaboration, creating an environment where people feel valued and empowered to do their best work.
How It’s Brought to Life:
- Open Communication: Encouraging open dialog through regular town halls, one-on-one meetings, and anonymous feedback channels ensures every voice is heard.
- Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Celebrating cultural differences and implementing programs that promote equity and belonging bring respect to life on a systemic level.
- Flexible Work Policies: Offering remote work options, flexible hours, and parental leave demonstrates respect for employees’ personal lives and commitments.
- Recognition Programs: Acknowledging and celebrating individual contributions through formal awards or informal shout-outs reinforces the idea that every employee matters.
- Training and Development: Providing growth opportunities reflects a commitment to individual potential, helping employees feel respected for their unique skills and aspirations.
Respect creates psychological safety, a foundation for trust, innovation, and collaboration. When employees feel respected, they’re more engaged, loyal, and willing to contribute their best. It reduces workplace conflicts and fosters a sense of belonging that leads to higher morale and productivity.
In essence, respect is the glue that binds a positive workplace culture, making it a core value that resonates universally.
Rachna Agarwal
Director, EDS FZE
Support Encourages Employee Development
One of our core values is support and it consists of two things: encouragement and empowerment. We are all about development and we love it when our employees have ambitions and take initiatives. Our role here is to support them in this journey. That’s why we cultivate the culture of trust in our company and encourage our employees to be independent and make decisions. Of course, initially, it is done with supervision. But further down the line, we want our employees to become more autonomous in their decision-making and start moving into more leading positions.
The main ways in which we empower our employees are through open communication and collaboration. We communicate quite informally and have an “open door” policy, where our team members can reach out to their colleagues and to leaders any time they need advice or help. Additionally, we encourage our team to take extra educational courses to improve their qualifications and we always support it as long as their education programs are related to their roles. The result of this is a reliable and responsible team. But also, even more importantly, this approach increases creativity. Since our employees know that we support new ideas and individualism, they’re more eager to brainstorm and bolder with their ideas.
Dima Eremin
CEO, BluedotHQ
Flexibility Honors Work-Life Balance
How flexibility resonates deeply with employees and shapes a thriving workplace culture. Flexibility is more than just a policy; it’s a commitment to honoring individual work-life balance. It empowers employees to adapt their schedules and workflows to fit their goals, creating a sense of trust and autonomy. This value comes to life through hybrid work options, adaptable hours, and open lines of communication.
This approach fosters a workplace where employees feel valued, leading to higher engagement and productivity. Flexibility is impactful because it meets the evolving needs of today’s workforce while building a foundation for trust and collaboration. It’s not just about where people work; it’s about how they thrive and contribute their best.
Maxime Bouillon
Co-Founder & CEO, Archie
Integrity Creates Culture of Trust
One of the company values that is most strongly associated with employees is integrity. Integrity is brought to life in the workplace through open communication and ethical decision-making at all levels of the organization. Leaders model integrity through honesty about challenges and successes, which encourages employees to do the same. The regular training sessions reinforce the importance of ethical behavior, and people understand how to apply that value in their daily tasks.
It has a very deep impact because it creates a culture of trust and accountability, so employees feel secure in their roles and are more engaged in their work. If employees see their leaders demonstrating integrity, they are likely to align their actions with this value, which would improve collaboration and morale. This commitment to integrity would not only enhance employee satisfaction but also strengthen the company’s reputation, driving long-term success.
Sheraz Ali
Founder & CEO, HARO Links Builder
Carbon Neutrality Reflects Company Values
Our team is very aware of the impact we have on the world around us. After we went carbon neutral as an organization, we began reflecting on our personal carbon footprints as well. After some time, we decided to help offset those as well, making every member of our team a truly carbon neutral entity, both at work and at home. Our team has shared that it’s nice to know all the good work we do together isn’t canceled out by the negative impacts of simply existing in a complex economy.
Chris Yoko
CEO, Yoko Co
