4 ways to find an inclusive employer that shares your values

As the world of work continues to evolve, values have become a defining factor in career decisions. Increasingly, professionals are prioritising purpose and alignment when evaluating employers, seeking not just a role, but a workplace where they can thrive authentically and sustainably.

According to Deloitte’s Gen Z and Millennial Survey, nearly half of UK Millennials (45%) have rejected potential employers due to a misalignment of values. Furthermore, nine in ten Gen Zs and Millennials agree that working for a company that shares their ethics is essential to job satisfaction and wellbeing. The trend extends beyond younger generations: Deloitte’s LGBT+ Inclusion @ Work report revealed that one-third of LGBT+ professionals are actively seeking to move to a more inclusive employer.

Organisations that emphasise their values and embed inclusion are not only better positioned to attract talent but also to retain and inspire it. For job seekers, this shift underscores the importance of evaluating cultural and ethical fit alongside salary and benefits.

So how can you identify employers whose values align with your own? Here are four practical strategies to help guide your job search.

1. Identify your deal breakers

Start by clarifying which values matter most to you. Ask yourself:

• Will this role not only help me grow professionally but also allow me to work in alignment with my principles?
• Do I see evidence that this organisation celebrates diversity and creates space for people to be authentic?
• What kind of workplace culture allows me to feel respected and included?

Defining your “non-negotiables” makes it easier to filter opportunities and spot red flags.

Take the example of Morgan Young, a professional who shared her perspective on LinkedIn:

“I’m an Asian American, a woman in tech, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent, so that creates a very interesting identity for myself in the workplace. Because of that, I’ve made a ‘deal’ with myself that wherever I work, it has to be a place where I can be authentically myself. I seek out workplaces that not only accept me for who I am, but embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as what’s valuable.”

Her story illustrates the power of knowing your values and holding firm to them throughout the job search.

2. Analyse company language

An organisation that is genuinely driven by its values will reflect them consistently in its external communications, whether through social media activity, job descriptions, or direct engagement with candidates. Paying close attention to the language used can provide valuable insight. Inclusive wording, clarity around the company’s stated values, and an equity, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) statement that goes beyond generic phrasing to demonstrate genuine commitment are all strong indicators of authenticity.

Subtle details within direct communications can also reveal much about an organisation’s culture. For example, when corresponding about interviews or offers, consider whether the recruiter or hiring manager avoids assumptions in how they address you. Something as simple as using an incorrect title, overlooking cultural name spellings, or failing to demonstrate awareness of pronoun use in an email signature can highlight a lack of attention to inclusion. These seemingly small cues can provide important context on whether a company’s stated values are truly embedded in its everyday practices.

3. Ask your community

Your network is an invaluable resource when researching cultural fit. Speak with peers, mentors, or industry contacts who share your values. First-hand experiences often provide a clearer picture of workplace culture than external branding ever could.

These conversations can:

• Help you identify supportive and inclusive environments
• Prevent you from entering spaces that don’t align with your values
• Open doors to new mentors, allies, and professional opportunities

4. Use job search tools strategically

When searching for new opportunities on LinkedIn, it is worth making full use of the platform’s filtering tools to focus on employers whose commitments align with your own values. LinkedIn’s “Commitments” filter allows you to refine searches based on an organisation’s approach to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), as well as other priorities such as professional development, social impact, environmental sustainability, or work-life balance. By applying these filters, you can more easily identify organisations whose stated values reflect what matters most to you.

It is also useful to explore a company’s LinkedIn page, where many employers highlight their commitments in greater detail. The “I’m interested” feature, available in the “About” section, enables you to signal your interest directly. Activating this option increases your visibility to recruiters using LinkedIn’s hiring tools and can strengthen your chances of connecting with an employer whose culture and values align with your own.

No organisation is perfect, but many are actively striving to improve. By paying close attention to how employers communicate and by asking the right questions during your job search, you can increase the likelihood of finding an inclusive workplace where your values and ambitions align.

A values-driven approach to career decisions doesn’t just help you find the right role, it ensures you invest your energy and talent in an organisation where you can succeed authentically and sustainably.