February 11, 2025
When choosing where you work, it’s easy to be drawn to the size of the paycheck. However, the secret to a fulfilling career lies in something more profound than financial gain. The happiest, most satisfied employees aren’t just after a paycheck—they’re after a purpose. And that purpose often finds its roots in the values of the company they work for.
Company values are not just words; they are the heart and soul of an organization. They empower you to make informed decisions about your career, putting you in the driver’s seat of your professional journey. They guide decisions, shape the culture, and inspire employees to do their best work. Understanding what they are and why they matter can help you find a meaningful job and career that aligns with your identity, giving you a sense of control and empowerment.
At Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley, we live and breathe our values daily. Let’s dive into why company values matter and how they can make all the difference in your career journey.
Think of company values as the DNA of a workplace. They define the principles, ethics, and priorities guiding an organization’s operations. These aren’t just empty words on a mission statement—they’re the driving force behind everything a company does, from how it treats its employees to serving its customers and community.
Examples of common company values include:
At Goodwill, our values center on creating opportunities, fostering respect, and empowering individuals to achieve independence through the dignity of work.
Company values aren’t just corporate buzzwords but the foundation of a thriving workplace. Here’s why they’re so important:
Values provide a framework for decision-making. Whether a company launches a new program or addresses challenges, its values ensure that its actions align with its mission.
Values are not just words on a page but the driving force behind a company’s culture. They set the tone for everything, from employee engagement to the feeling you get when you walk through the door (or log in for remote work). A company that values teamwork and inclusion will have a different culture than one that prioritizes competition and hierarchy.
Employees who align with a company’s values are more likely to feel connected, motivated, and appreciated. On the flip side, a mismatch can lead to dissatisfaction and burnout.
When you work for a company that aligns with your values, it’s not just a job-it’s a source of pride and motivation. You feel a sense of purpose and are inspired to contribute your best efforts, leading to increased job satisfaction and personal growth.
A company that prioritizes values like mentorship, learning, and innovation creates an environment where employees can grow personally and professionally. It’s not just about the job but the journey of personal growth and development that these values can inspire, fueling your motivation and inspiration and making you feel excited about your career prospects.
Employees who resonate with a company’s values often feel a stronger sense of community and belonging. This connection fosters teamwork, collaboration, and overall happiness.
Companies with strong, positive values tend to retain employees longer. Why? Because people want to stay where they feel valued and inspired.
At Goodwill, we’re not just about offering jobs but about building careers that matter. Our values ensure every team member feels empowered, respected, and part of a vibrant community, united by a shared purpose and common values.
It’s one thing to know your values, but how do you find a company that shares them? Here are some tips:
Before applying, dig into a company’s mission statement, website, and employee reviews. Look for keywords that align with your values, such as sustainability, community, or innovation. Pay attention to how the company talks about its employees, customers, and community. This can give you a good sense of what the company values most.
Don’t be afraid to ask about company values and culture during interviews. Questions like “How do you support employee growth?” or “What values guide your team’s decisions?” can reveal a lot.
While ping-pong tables and free snacks are nice, they don’t replace meaningful values. Focus on what truly matters, like inclusivity, leadership development, and opportunities to give back.
Sometimes, it’s a feeling. If you walk into a workplace and sense warmth, collaboration, and shared purpose, that’s often a sign the values align.
Values and culture go hand in hand. A company’s culture is the personality of the workplace, while values are its guiding principles. Together, they create an environment where employees can thrive.
At Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley, our culture is built on five core values:
These values shape every aspect of our work, from helping individuals find meaningful employment to fostering a supportive, inclusive workplace for our team members. They are not just words on a page but the foundation of a community where everyone is valued and respected, making you feel like an integral part of a supportive and inclusive team.
At Goodwill, our values aren’t just words—they’re actions. Here’s how we live our mission every day:
We help our team members grow in their roles and beyond through training, mentorship, and leadership programs.
We create opportunities for individuals and families by connecting them to meaningful jobs and resources.
By repurposing donated goods, we reduce waste and protect the environment while funding programs that benefit our community.
We offer competitive benefits, flexible schedules, and a supportive team environment to help employees thrive personally and professionally.
When you choose a workplace, you’re choosing more than just a job—you’re choosing a community, a purpose, and a culture. Aligning with a company’s values can lead to greater job satisfaction, personal growth, and fulfillment. It can also lead to a more positive work environment, better colleague relationships, and a stronger sense of belonging.
Goodwill is the place to be if you’re looking for a workplace where values genuinely matter. We’re not just about work—building stronger communities, one career at a time.
Whether starting your career, looking for a change, or seeking a mission-driven workplace, Goodwill is here to help. Explore our job opportunities and discover a workplace where values aren’t just a part of the mission—they’re the heart of everything we do.
Start your journey with us today by visiting Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley Job Opportunities.
May 28, 2020
UPDATED MAY 28: All Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley Retail Stores and Donation Centers are open. New store hours are 10am-6pm daily at all locations with 50% reduced capacity allowed […]
March 1, 2015
At Goodwill, donations = Jobs…and jobs change lives. One way you can help is by rounding up your purchases to the nearest dollar and donating the change to Goodwill. […]