Your Company Values Are a Joke (And Your Employees Know It)
Corporate Values - Just Words?
Walk into any corporate office, and you’re likely to see something that looks a bit like this:
"Integrity. Innovation. Collaboration."
These words are often etched onto a plaque, framed on a wall, or proudly displayed on the company website. They sound fantastic, don’t they? But let’s be honest—are these values shaping the company culture, or are they just a decorative afterthought?
As someone who has spent over a decade in corporate wellness, I’ve seen the full spectrum of company values: from hollow platitudes to values that genuinely drive employee engagement and workplace transformation.
The difference? Actions.
Let’s explore how company values can evolve from static words on a wall into powerful, visible actions—and why corporate wellness plays a crucial role in this transformation.
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Hello, World!
Corporate Values - Words or Actions
Words Are Easy; Actions Are Hard
It’s easy to write down inspiring words like teamwork or respect. But living those values takes commitment, consistency, and leadership that aligns with the mission.
A disconnect between stated values and daily actions can lead to employee disengagement, mistrust, and burnout. Employees are quick to spot hypocrisy—when leadership preaches "work-life balance" but expects 60-hour workweeks or touts "collaboration" but fosters silos.
I’ve been in workplaces where "values" felt like empty promises.
Kathie’s Story
One company where I worked had "INTEGRITY" as a cornerstone value. Yet, during a wellness initiative I spearheaded, a senior leader reprimanded me for suggesting a program to inspire disadvantaged teens—calling it "illegal" and "not my place."
The contrast between the stated value and the actual behavior was glaring, and the message to employees was clear: these values didn’t mean much when the rubber met the road.
This experience was a wake-up call for me. It highlighted the gap between what companies say and what they do.
More importantly, it fueled my passion for helping organizations align their values with tangible, meaningful action—starting with employee wellness, in this instance it was mental health wellness.
Company Values
Wellness as a Mirror of Company Values
Your corporate wellness program is one of the most visible ways to demonstrate your company’s values. Why? Because wellness initiatives directly touch the lives of your employees. When companies genuinely care about employee well-being, it shows in their actions.
For example, let’s say your company values innovation. A corporate wellness program aligned with this value might include creative approaches to fitness challenges, mindfulness apps, or even virtual reality stress management sessions.
On the other hand, a value like collaboration could shine through team-building activities like group wellness challenges, leadership programs, or interactive workshops.
When employees see that wellness initiatives reflect company values, they feel validated and connected. It’s no longer about catchy slogans; it’s about a workplace that cares enough to live its values daily.
The Role of Corporate Wellness and Company Values
Turning Values Into Value: The Role of Corporate Wellness Consultants
Here’s where a corporate wellness consultant comes in. A consultant’s role isn’t just about organizing health fairs or fitness programs (though those are great).
It’s about helping companies embody their values through intentional wellness strategies that align with their mission.
1. Diagnosing the Disconnect
Many companies don’t realize there’s a gap between their stated values and their culture. A wellness consultant can help uncover this disconnect.
For example, I’ve worked with companies that claimed to prioritize work-life balance, yet their wellness programs were riddled with mandatory evening workshops. That’s a mixed message if I’ve ever seen one!
A consultant analyzes these inconsistencies and recommends changes to align wellness initiatives with values. Assessments are a great way to analyze this!
2. Customizing Solutions
Every company is unique, and cookie-cutter solutions won’t cut it. A great wellness consultant will design programs that reflect a company’s mission.
For instance, if sustainability is a core value, wellness events might include eco-friendly fitness gear or workshops on reducing workplace waste.
3. Building Trust and Engagement
A successful wellness program isn’t just about benefits; it’s about building trust. Employees need to see that leadership is invested in their well-being—not just checking a box.
Consultants can train leaders to model healthy behaviors and communicate wellness initiatives effectively, fostering trust and enthusiasm.
4. Measuring Impact
The best wellness programs have measurable results through assessments. A consultant can track metrics like employee engagement, participation rates, and even ROI to prove that wellness isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a business strategy.
These metrics demonstrate that living company values isn’t just good for employees; it’s good for the bottom line.
Why Company Values Matter
Why It Matters
When companies live their values, employees notice—and it creates a ripple effect. Trust increases, engagement soars, and turnover decreases.
Wellness programs are often the bridge between stated values and real action. They’re not just about improving physical health; they’re about creating a culture where employees feel valued and supported.
In my own journey, I’ve seen how prioritizing wellness transforms workplaces. One company I worked with initially saw wellness as a checkbox item, but after aligning their initiatives with their values, they became a workplace of choice.
Their "collaboration" value shone through in team wellness challenges, and their "innovation" value came to life in creative stress management workshops.
Employees weren’t just healthier—they were happier, more engaged, and more productive.
Questions about your company values
Questions to Reflect On
Does your company walk the talk when it comes to its values?
Are your wellness initiatives aligned with what you stand for as an organization?
What steps can you take to bridge the gap between values and actions?
Your Values as an Individual
Finding Your Values and Purpose: The Foundation of Personal and Organizational Alignment
Before a company can authentically live its values, the individuals within it must understand their own. Personal values and purpose are the cornerstone of not just meaningful work, but a fulfilling life.
If you’re trying to identify your values or purpose, know that this introspection is a powerful journey—one that directly relates to how you show up in your workplace and how you can contribute to a company’s culture.
At Kathie’s Coaching we work one-on-one with you to understand your values and how they contribute to a successful life.
Why Your Values Matter
Why Values Matter for Individuals
Values are the principles that guide your decisions, shape your behavior, and define what truly matters to you. When you’re clear on your values, you can align your actions with them, leading to a greater sense of integrity and fulfillment.
Think about moments in your life when you felt deeply proud or satisfied. Were you standing up for something you believed in? Helping someone in need? Those moments often point to your core values. Conversely, times of frustration or dissatisfaction may reveal when your values were being compromised or ignored.
For example:
If you value growth, you might feel stuck in a job that doesn’t challenge you.
If you value connection, you might struggle in a workplace that feels cold or impersonal.
Understanding your values helps you identify what’s missing and empowers you to seek alignment in all areas of your life—including work.
Finding Your Purpose
Finding Your Purpose
Purpose goes beyond values; it’s about identifying the unique contribution you want to make to the world. Your purpose is the "why" behind what you do. It’s what gets you out of bed in the morning and fuels your passion.
Steps to Discover Your Purpose:
Reflect on Your Passions: What lights you up? What topics, activities, or causes do you gravitate toward naturally?
Identify Your Strengths: What are you naturally good at? How can you use these skills to make an impact?
Consider Your Legacy: Imagine looking back on your life. What do you want to be remembered for?
Connect the Dots: Look for patterns. Where do your passions, strengths, and aspirations intersect?
Your purpose doesn’t have to be grandiose or world-changing—it just needs to feel authentic to you. Whether it’s empowering others, creating innovative solutions, or bringing joy to your community, your purpose is yours to define.
Company Values Guide Your Culture
Bringing It Home
Company values aren’t meant to be wall art; they’re meant to guide your culture and inspire your people. As a corporate wellness consultant, I help companies bring their values to life—turning them from words into meaningful actions that create healthier, happier workplaces.
Because here’s the truth: when your values show up in everything you do, employees don’t just work for you—they believe in you. And that’s when the magic happens.
Corporate Wellness Consultant
Ready to Transform Your Workplace?
If you’re ready to align your company values with impactful wellness strategies, let’s chat. Together, we’ll turn your mission into a movement—starting with your greatest asset: your people.
#CorporateWellness #CompanyCulture #WorkplaceValues #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceWellness #CorporateConsulting #WellnessPrograms #LiveYourValues
About the Author:
Kathie Owen is a seasoned corporate wellness consultant, life coach, and former fitness and wellness director with over two decades of experience in creating healthier, happier workplaces. With a psychology degree from the University of Houston and a passion for motivation, Kathie has dedicated her career to ending toxic workplace cultures through holistic wellness programs that truly make a difference.
Kathie Owen, Corporate Wellness Consultant since 2012 (Our Story)
Having worked in both corporate and fitness environments, Kathie blends her expertise in employee engagement, leadership development, physical health, and mental well-being to design programs that prevent burnout and inspire thriving teams.
She’s been a certified fitness trainer since 2002 and has personally coached hundreds of individuals to reach their wellness goals. Now, she’s on a mission to share her strategies with companies that value their people.
Through her 12 Days of Burnout Breakthrough series, Kathie combines personal stories, expert insights, and practical tips to help you recognize, prevent, and heal from burnout. Her goal? To show you how a little bit of wellness can transform not only your workplace but also your life.
When she’s not leading workshops, coaching aspiring wellness professionals, or writing her next blog post, you’ll find Kathie walking her dog Rusty, diving into her favorite self-development books, or dreaming up her next big idea to inspire and uplift others.
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