At this year’s Employee Engagement Summit, a thought-provoking panel brought together leading voices in people strategy and workplace culture to explore how organisations can create values-driven environments that genuinely inspire and engage employees.
The discussion featured Natalie Rogers, Chief People & Sustainability Officer at N Brown Group, Jessica Barlow, Chief People Officer at Foundry, and Rosie Barrett, Internal Communications and Engagement Consultant at Workvivo by Zoom, and was expertly moderated by Charlotte Dahl. Together, they examined practical ways to embed values into the employee experience, the power of storytelling, and the shifting expectations of modern workforces.
Rogers emphasised that organisational values must be woven into every stage of the employee lifecycle—from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and reward systems. She described these touchpoints as “vehicles of culture,” shaping how employees experience and interpret organisational values in real time.
Barrett drew on her internal communications expertise to highlight the role of storytelling in making values meaningful and relatable. She explained that authentic stories from leaders and managers build trust and psychological safety, helping employees feel more connected to organisational culture. Rather than simply broadcasting messages, she argued, leaders should share personal experiences that bring values to life.
Barlow shared Foundry’s approach to refreshing its values based on employee feedback, illustrating that culture is never static but evolves with organisational growth. Coaching leaders in storytelling, she noted, helped embed values across the organisation, reinforcing alignment and engagement at every level.
The panellists discussed the challenge of addressing high performers who undermine culture, stressing the need to hold every individual accountable to shared values. A consistent link between stated values and lived experiences was identified as essential to maintaining credibility and trust within teams.
Rogers argued that clarity of purpose fuels engagement and innovation. When employees understand the “why” behind their work, they are empowered to take creative risks and deliver greater value. The panel also explored how purpose should resonate internally and externally, particularly in service-led sectors where employees are brand ambassadors.
Barrett observed that younger generations entering the workforce expect values-led leadership, transparency, and flexibility. Organisations must respond by equipping managers to lead intergenerational teams and listening closely to employee feedback. Peer mentoring, employee listening tools, and adaptable value propositions were recommended as key strategies.
All panellists underscored the need for leaders to role-model values in action, even when it means admitting mistakes or calling out misaligned behaviours. Practical techniques included starting meetings with a reminder of organisational values and ending with reflections on how those values were demonstrated throughout the discussion.
The conversation made it clear that building a values-driven culture isn’t about slogans, posters, or campaigns—it’s about consistent action. By embedding values across processes, encouraging authentic leadership, and continuously evolving culture based on employee feedback, organisations can create a workplace where people feel truly connected to a shared purpose.
If you enjoyed this article, you can register your interest in attending the 2026 Employee Engagement Summit for free to explore the latest trends, innovative strategies and cutting-edge technologies driving exceptional engagement and results in today’s landscape.