Cultivating Strong Work Ethic

Cultivating Strong Work Ethic 

 

Just a little more than a year ago I wrote an article on what employers want in a new employee so much that they often favor it above education and experience.  48% of respondents in a survey said the most difficult and desirable trait to find in potential hires is a strong work ethic.  As another year passed I saw more examples of employers struggling with this issue so I felt that it was important to revisit the subject. 

Today’s job seekers don’t show up with work ethic in their pockets alongside the keys to the car they worked two jobs to earn, grateful for any wage offered and happy to do any dirty job that needs doing. If that’s your expectation and you view modern applicants through that lens, you’ll continue to seek work ethic in vain.”  

In an interview, an expert in the field, Eric Chester said, “Employers want positive, enthusiastic people (Positive Attitude) who show up on time (Reliability), are dressed and properly prepared (Professionalism), who go out of their way to add value/do more than required (Initiative), play by the rules (Respect), are honest (Integrity) and give cheerful, friendly service (Gratitude). Those seven terms are the fundamental core values that every employer, at every level from part-time mail clerk to owner or CEO, says are non-negotiable.” 

If you experience too much overturn in your staff, experts in employee engagement and productive workplace culture will ask an employer one question, “What are you doing—not to motivate your employees—but what are you doing to demotivate them?”  

Motivate your employees, don’t demotivate them.  Respect and appreciation for the contributions they

make to your business through their efforts go a long way in building a positive and productive workplace.

Time and time again studies prove that happy employees are productive employees.  In a workplace that embraces these principles…not only will employees with a strong work ethic flourish…success for the business will as well.  

Make the necessary changes and the happy ending to your story could be...happy employees, happy employers and a workplace environment that is pleasant and productive!   An added bonus that I would guarantee you would see...a decrease in absenteeism.