It’s the middle of an election campaign and the familiar political pantomime is in full swing.

Politicians from all sides are trying to win us over with promises of incredible public services budgets, highlighting the benefits of their ambitious manifestos, while encouraging us to boo the opposition.  Not to mention trying to justify the infamous ‘Fact Check UK’ antics or remaining tight-lipped over where they stand over Brexit…

However, there’s something else that should be equally vital to their campaigns, which would strike a chord with many voters – remembering the significance of people’s values.

A range of values influence how we live, how we behave and affect every aspect of our lives.  From the organisational values of our employers to the personal values we embody, values are part of our working life as well as our soul and conscience.  They’re inescapable.

If someone shares the same or similar values to us, we naturally feel more connected to that person – something politicians know all too well.  Similarly, your personal values have a major impact on your relationship with your employer; if there is a disconnect between the organisation’s moral and ethical behaviour and your personal views as an employee, it’s unlikely you’d want to be associated with that organisation.

Research carried out in July by The Institute of Leadership & Management revealed a significant gulf between the organisational values held by UK businesses and the personal values of their workers. The online survey of 1,178 business leaders and managers, mostly based in the UK, found that employees have just three personal values in common with the top 10 organisational values, shining a light on how disconnected some organisations are from their employees.

Having integrity, being honest and doing the right thing were voted as the top three values most important to people, compared to the top three organisational values of respect, integrity and excellence.  I’d also be interested to see what the top values of politicians are and how close – or removed – they are from those of the public.

In an election, politicians might do well to align their values with those that chime best with the public but be mindful that any tactics to undermine or contradict those values will be heavily scrutinised and could derail a campaign.

So, as we wait to see the outcome of the Christmas election, let’s hope the winning party remains true to its manifesto – and its values.

Pippa Hanson is a senior account manager at Camargue