Corporate values have an image problem.
For many employees, they remain nothing more than words on a poster or a slide in an onboarding course.
It's not that organisations don't spend time workshopping and defining their values. In fact, they often invest significant time and energy into the process.
Where many organisations fall short, however, is embedding those values into the business. As a result, values become slogans rather than behaviours that guide how employees show up at work every day.
Because that's where truly embedded values make a difference. They help people make better decisions. Strong values become:
A navigator when priorities compete
A guide when you're facing a difficult choice
A common language across teams
A way to build culture at scale
A reminder of what good looks like on an ordinary Tuesday - not just at a town hall
The real opportunity isn't in launching values - it's in embedding them.
When values are anchored in the organisation, they become a practical tool for employees rather than just another message to consume.
Because at the end of the day, were trying to make our employees lives easier when we launch corporate values. We’re trying to guide and support them with universal tools that are valuable no matter if you’re an executive or a frontliner.
Living our values
At Open, we have our own set of values that guide how we show up, make decisions, and work together. They shape not only how we collaborate internally, but also how we partner with our clients. Three values that are actionable, practical, and unmistakably Open.
Exceed Expectations
We strive to always exceed the expectations of our clients, our partners, and ourselves.
This means:
Looking for ways to create unexpected value
Thinking beyond the brief
Leaving people better off than you found them
Take Ownership
We build trust and confidence with our clients and partners by taking ownership of our shared success.
This means:
Stepping forward when something needs fixing
Treating the business as if it were your own
Turning problems into action
Build Relationships
We build long-lasting relationships with our clients, partners, and each other through respect, kindness, and passion.
This means:
Investing in trust
Being genuinely curious about people
Understanding that great results are built on strong relationships
We're constantly revisiting these values, challenging ourselves, auditing our work against them, and discussing how we can live them even better every day.
If you're updating your corporate values, preparing for a launch, or simply wondering how to bring your existing values to life, don't hesitate to get in touch. We'd be happy to share some of the inspiration, tools, and approaches we've developed along the way.