What Are Your Work Values? (With Examples)

As you navigate your job search in 2026, several critical factors must be considered, with work values being paramount.

Key Takeaways:

• Work values define what is essential to you in your daily professional activities.

• Focus your job search on roles where the job descriptions resonate with your skills, experience, and work values.

• Recognize that not all organizations share the same work values, so it’s important not to evaluate opportunities solely on this criterion.

What Are Work Values?

Work values encapsulate the qualities and principles you aim to embody in your everyday tasks, influencing both your immediate work and your long-term ambitions.

• The core values of workplaces differ significantly across organizations. For example, one company may prioritize honesty, while another emphasizes efficiency or innovation.

• No two organizations operate under the same set of values. The qualities you appreciated in a previous employer may not exist in your next job, and vice versa.

• Work values should be central to your job search. Aligning with an employer whose values resonate with yours can lead to greater job satisfaction and stability.

• Your values guide your behavior. When your values align with your employer’s, you’ll find fulfillment in your work, contributing positively to yourself and your community.

  Conversely, working for an employer whose values clash with yours often results in stress and dissatisfaction.

Examples of Core Work Values

Consider the following common work values as you evaluate job descriptions or company websites. Reflect on how these values resonate with your personal and career aspirations:

• Honesty and integrity. Upholding truthfulness and ethical behavior.

• Philanthropy. Committed to making a positive impact and assisting those in need.

• Financial success. Aiming for substantial monetary and material gain.

• Work/life balance. Striving for a harmonious integration of professional and personal lives.

• Creativity. A desire to innovate and produce original work.

• Environmental sustainability. Focusing on reducing ecological impact and promoting awareness of environmental issues.

• Fame. Aspiring to be a recognized public figure.

• Health and wellness. Prioritizing mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

• Independence. Seeking autonomy and freedom in your professional endeavors.

• Responsibility. Valuing the importance of fulfilling work obligations with diligence.

• Ambition. Aspiring to reach the pinnacle of your field.

• Leadership. Eager to mentor and guide others towards success.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

Understanding your work values also means distinguishing between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations.

• Intrinsic motivations stem from personal satisfaction and enjoyment, independent of external rewards. For instance, you may find joy in solving problems or presenting ideas.

• Extrinsic motivations are driven by external rewards, such as salary, benefits, and other incentives. These are important, but they differ from the intrinsic enjoyment of your work.

While we’ll focus on intrinsic motivations in discussing work values, it’s essential to acknowledge that some organizations might prioritize extrinsic factors more heavily.

How to Identify Your Work Values

To find an employer whose values align with yours, begin by clearly defining your core values. Consider these questions:

1. How do I identify my work values?

2. What principles matter most to me?

3. What qualities do I admire in others and organizations?

Your core work values are the principles that guide your professional decisions and actions. They form the foundation of your ethical framework, influencing your career trajectory. As you identify your values, aim to narrow your list to five to ten core principles for clarity and focus.

Other Traits to Consider During Your Job Search

In addition to personal values, several other factors influence your job search:

1. Workplace culture. This encompasses the attitudes, behaviors, and experiences that shape the employee experience. Understanding a potential employer’s culture is as vital as knowing their work values.

2. Work/life balance. Employers who value this are likely to promote mental well-being and avoid unreasonable demands on employees.

3. Consider your interests. Ensure that the role aligns with your passions and long-term career goals, not just your values or financial needs.

Before accepting a job offer, reflect on whether the opportunity will help you develop necessary skills and connections for your dream career.

How Hiring Managers Gauge Your Work Values

Hiring managers assess your work values to determine how well you’ll fit within the existing company culture, often through behavioral interview questions.

• Behavioral interview questions typically start with prompts like “Tell me about a time when…” to learn about your past experiences.

• Utilizing the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help structure your responses effectively during interviews.

• Your answers will reflect your values, revealing how you would fit within the company culture. Research the organization beforehand to understand their values.

Honesty is crucial; misrepresenting your values may lead to discord in the workplace.

Frequently Asked Questions about Work Values

1. Why are work values important?

   Work values serve as guiding principles for what matters most to you in your professional life. Understanding these values helps you align with potential employers.

2. Can work values change?

   Yes, work values can evolve over time. What you prioritize at the beginning of your career may shift as you grow and develop professionally.

3. How do I choose my work values?

   Select work values based on what principles resonate most with you. Aim for a manageable list of five to ten core values that will guide your career.

Final Thoughts

Securing the right job involves more than just a competitive salary or prestige; it’s about finding a role where you can authentically express your values and work in alignment with others who share similar principles.

To achieve this, invest time in identifying your core work values, which will differ from person to person. Your work values define you as a professional and individual, so prioritize them in your job search. Celebrate and uphold your values as you explore new opportunities.

References

1. University of Denver – Work Values

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.