In Brisbane’s competitive landscape, particularly within professional services in areas such as law and accounting, the role of an organisation’s values in shaping culture is paramount. As a consultant deeply immersed in these industries, I’ve seen first-hand how values influence not only a firm’s internal environment but also its reputation, success in the broader market and ability to retain staff and grow both individuals’ and teams. In this article I share some key observations about firms outperforming the rest when it comes to attraction and retention.
Embedded values drive integrity and excellence
In the professional services sector, values are more than just guiding principles – they are essential for maintaining the integrity and excellence clients expect. For the law or accounting sectors in Brisbane, values such as professionalism, ethical standards, client/people focus, and commitment to providing a high-quality service are fundamental.
These values help create a culture where employees are aligned with the firm’s mission, ensuring consistent and high-quality service delivery. For example, a Brisbane-based law firm that prioritises client-centricity will foster a culture of responsiveness and empathy, which can significantly enhance client satisfaction and retention. Similarly, an accounting firm that values transparency and accuracy will cultivate a culture of meticulousness and reliability, critical for maintaining trust and compliance in financial reporting.
In Brisbane’s professional services industry, attracting top talent often hinges on aligning with a candidate’s personal values and career aspirations. Candidates in law and accounting are increasingly looking for employers who not only offer career growth opportunities but also demonstrate a strong commitment to values such as work-life balance, ethical practices, and community engagement.
Embrace and promote diversity and inclusion
A Brisbane law firm known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion can attract top legal talent who are passionate about working in a supportive and progressive environment. Similarly, an accounting firm that champions sustainability can draw in professionals who are eager to contribute to environmentally-responsible practices.
When employees see their values reflected in their organisation’s culture, it enhances their engagement and commitment. In Brisbane’s fast-paced and demanding legal and accounting sectors, a values-driven culture can provide a sense of purpose and belonging, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates. This Forbes article refers to a 2019 Glassdoor study which found “nearly two-thirds of employees cited a good company culture as one of the main reasons they elect not to leave”.
A strong culture of professional development, for instance, can boost morale and loyalty among staff, making them more invested in the firm’s success. When employees see their personal values align with the firm’s commitment to continuous learning and growth, they are more likely to stay and thrive.
“Culture-add” can positively enhance your team
While cultural fit is important, embracing cultural add can enrich a firm’s environment by integrating diverse perspectives. In the professional services sector, this means welcoming diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, which can enhance problem-solving and innovation. For example, a law firm that actively seeks out diverse legal talent can benefit from varied approaches to legal challenges, ultimately providing more comprehensive client solutions.
As explained in this Mind Tools article, cultural add emphasises hiring “culture contributors”, rather than people who fit the existing mould. “Culture contributors are people who reflect and share your organisation’s ethics and values, but who also have something new to offer. This moves the emphasis from conformity to diversity – of thought, perspective, experience, personality, and other characteristics”. This is further emphasised in this Forbes article, which recommends that “instead of finding someone who fits into your culture, i.e. potentially a biased hire, find someone who is a bit different and would thus add to your culture”.
When leaders live the values, respect and loyalty follows
Leadership plays a crucial role in embodying and promoting values. Leaders who consistently demonstrate commitment to core values – such as integrity, client focus, and ethical conduct – set a strong example for their teams. This leadership helps to reinforce a positive and cohesive culture where values are not just theoretical but are actively practiced. A broad list of favourable leadership values can be found in this article, highlighting core values including empowerment, humility and communication and the positive impact they have on team success.
Check in to see how your culture measures up
What does this mean for those firms who want to remain competitive and attractive to future candidates? To ensure that values are effectively shaping the culture, firms need regularly assess their impact. This can involve conducting employee surveys, seeking client feedback, and evaluating the alignment of values with daily operations. In Brisbane, engaging with the local community and industry groups can provide valuable insights into how well a firm’s values resonate with broader expectations and standards, and how the firm is perceived externally.
For Brisbane’s law and accounting firms, values are not just a set of ideals – they are integral to creating a strong, positive organisational culture. By aligning values with cultural practices, fostering an inclusive and engaging environment, and leading by example, firms can enhance their reputation, attract top talent, and achieve long-term success. Values are the bedrock upon which a thriving culture is built, and they play a critical role in shaping the future of professional services in Brisbane.
Don’t be afraid to share your workplace stories!
Finally, as this Business South Australia article touches on, creating engaging online or social content can give people a taste of your culture, and make them want to learn more. Your online presence can provide potential candidates with a feel of what is like working in your environment and help them determine “whether they would enjoy working for you”.
If you’re interested in exploring how values can elevate your firm’s culture or want to discuss the latest trends in Brisbane’s professional services market, feel free to connect with me. Let’s work together to build a workplace that reflects the best of what Brisbane has to offer!
Author: Alex Monks
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