A new survey from Resume Now, a top resume building platform, uncovers a striking reality in today’s workplace: while companies love to tout their values, most employees say leadership doesn’t live them. The Values Gap Report, based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. workers in May 2025, reveals a widespread “values gap”—the disconnect between corporate messaging and lived employee experience. Despite 86% of workers saying their company communicates its values clearly, only 44% feel those values are consistently upheld. Meanwhile, 70% have witnessed leadership bend rules or play favorites. 

“Employees don’t just want inspiring mission statements—they want to see those values in action,” says Keith Spencer, career expert at Resume Now. “When leaders say one thing but do another, it creates distrust and disengagement.” 

Key findings from the report are below.  

  • Clarity doesn’t equal consistency. Most (86%) say company values are clearly communicated, but only 44% say they’re consistently demonstrated.  
  • Rule bending is rampant. Nearly three-quarters (70%) have seen leaders bend rules or play favorites. Approximately 43% have witnessed favoritism in promotions, raises, or recognition, and 24% say toxic top performers are protected by leadership. 
  • Leadership authenticity is in question. Nearly half (47%) believe their leaders frequently model the company’s stated values.  

When asked what unethical or troubling behavior they’ve witnessed at work: 

  • 31% say employees are expected to work through illness or burnout; 
  • 22% have seen harassment or bullying ignored; 
  • 18% say ethics concerns are swept under the rug; and  
  • 10% felt pressure or punishment for using PTO or mental health benefits. 

“When employees see values being ignored or applied inconsistently, they stop speaking up. They disengage. They question whether fairness is possible,” says Keith Spencer, career expert at Resume Now. “Companies cannot build loyalty or accountability when people believe leadership will always protect the highest performer, no matter the behavior. It is not just about living the values. It is about showing people those values apply to everyone.” 

Trust and psychological safety are eroding, with just 41% of employees saying they feel comfortable raising ethical concerns. Further, 11% fear retaliation for raising concerns, and 54% feel pressure to perform a version of themselves that fits the company image.   

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