Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
DEVELOPING GOOD WORK ETHICS
"We didn't have a lot when I was growing up, and it's the best thing that happened to
me because I appreciate everything. I developed a strong work ethic, and I don't take
anything for granted."-Sarah-Jessica
Parker Work ethics is a set of values based on the ideals of discipline and hard
work. A strong work ethics is a vital component of a successful career. Developing a
strong work ethics can train a person to consider hard work easier and may be
completed spontaneously. A good work ethics is impressive to employers. Good
habits such focusing, staying motivated, finishing tasks immediately, and more could
be part of good work ethics. Certainly, good work ethics ensures that any work is
done with honesty and integrity. Employees that adhere to policies and rules while
meeting the organizational goals is a good sight that everyone has good work ethics.
With good work ethics a positive and healthy work culture is ensured.
DEFINITION OF WORK
Work is known by lots of different names such as a job, a source of income, a
living, or an employment. However, majority do not really understand work deeply.
Work is very essential in people's lives. It is a crucial human activity. It is work that
defines a person and his standing in the society. People work to earn a living in order
to satisfy their never-ending physical needs. However, people also work to develop
their values, fill-in their egos, build their self-esteem, create social identity, relate to
other people and groups and achieve independence .It is work that organizes societies
through forming social structures and classes. Work is actually a part of human
beings' existence. For Budd, work is “purposeful human activity involving physical or
mental exertion that is not undertaken solely for pleasure and that has economic and
symbolic value." This definition is inclusive of both salaried and voluntary work
performed inside and outside the household. It also comprises work done in the
informal sector and volunteer activities. However, the definition excludes leisure
activities. Work is both a personal and a social activity. Being a personal activity, the
intention of work is to develop holistically a person. As a social activity its aim is to
preserve the human society
What is Work Ethics?
Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
Work ethics is a set of moral principles or values that an employee abides by and uses
in their job performance. It covers an employee's behavior and attitude towards their
job, career, and the workplace.
Since our childhood, we know, good work ethics leads to success. But how true is
this? How is work ethic related to the productivity and success of a person?
Some of the primary elements of a strong work ethic are professionalism, integrity,
respect for the work and fellow teammates, timeliness, and discipline. This value of
ethics molds a person into a more responsible and more determined individual. It
impacts all the activities of their day-to-day life.
10 WAYS HOW MANAGERS CAN INSTIL STRONG WORK ETHICS
AMONG EMPLOYEES IN A WORKPLACE
1. Clear Goals and Objectives:
More often than not, it becomes difficult for employees to complete tasks without
clear goals and objectives. Employees' work ethic also strengthens when they are fully
aware of the work they are doing. Team leaders or managers should clearly explain
the goals and objectives before they start new tasks. Irrespective of talent and work
experience, employees need direction. Every organization follows a definite corporate
ethical culture. Therefore managers need to align them with clear goals and
objectives.
Hence, they can ensure the following points while they do it-
Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
Goals should be measurable and maintain a fixed time frame.
It should be challenging and, at the same time, achievable.
It must be well accepted by the team members before implementation.
2. Proper Mentoring:
The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own
image but giving them the opportunity to create themselves. ~Steven Spielberg
Managers should set clear goals and objectives regarding the organization's work
ethics and code of conduct. Once that is done, you need to offer good mentoring and
training programs to groom your employees. You need to embrace your role as a
teacher/ mentor and guide them in every step, especially in their initial days.
As managers, you need to use a combination of methods or approaches to mentoring
them. Try to make the instructions or lessons interesting using well-structured
presentations, catchy graphics, or videos. During the mentoring process, ensure
effective communication by conducting one-on-one meetings or timely team
meetings.
3. Set a Good Example:
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Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the
organization. ~Robert Noyce
If you want to instill good work ethics among your team, you must lead them from the
front. Until and unless you (or the people at the managerial level) don't set the
benchmark for your team, you cannot expect to see great results. It is crucial to have
an organizational code of conduct and ethics, but it is more important to ensure
everyone abides. Humans perceive through their senses and act accordingly.
Therefore, to ignite the light of dedication and commitment, you must be the
torchbearer.
In other words, you should always 'Practice what you preach.' We are more likely to
follow or do something relevant to us and have a good motive behind it. When you
motivate your teams or lead them, you should always go back and forth and see if you
have set a good example.
4. Create the right Work Environment:
Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
A disorganized workspace means disorganized work habits. A sloppy work
environment equals sloppy results. ~Larry Winget
A clutter-free work environment is a doorway for clarity of thoughts and ideas. It's a
psychologically proven fact that our physical environment links directly to
our mental wellbeing and productivity.
The aesthetics of the physical work environment differs from the size of the
organization. But you can always make it safe and friendly for your employees.
Ensure your employees feel safe and don't have to worry about a confined desk or a
power cut issue. It may not seem to create much of a hurdle, but such minor issues'
repetition impacts their work ethic. This shows a less responsible attitude towards the
employees and their needs. Eventually, this makes the employees less accountable for
the work they do.
5. Professionalism:
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Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
The essense of professionalism is the focus upon the work and its demands, while
we are doing it, to the exclusion of all else. ~Steven Pressfiled
You know a real professional by the way they talk, dress, and conduct in the
workplace.
A professional person exhibits a quality of craft and service. Professionalism starts
with trust, conduct, loyalty, discipline, and hunger for excellence. Employees with
this work ethic take work wholeheartedly and strive to bring excellence in whichever
position they are into.
They always respected for their conduct and no-nonsense attitude towards work. This
draws the team members towards his/her vision. Managers, therefore, can promote
professionalism and bring goodwill to an organization.
Managers can stimulate professionalism by-
Keeping one’s own word and trust.
Striving for excellence.
Being respectful, honest and transparent.
Acting with integrity.
Keeping a learning attitude.
One with professional work ethics is always well-perceived by their peers. And they
always enjoy their work-life with contentment.
Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
6. Discipline:
Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. ~Jim Rohn
It is one of the core elements of work-ethics, and management must be very particular
about this aspect. When discipline becomes part of the company culture, it will
resonate with all your workforce employees. By instilling a culture of self-discipline
, employers can positively overview their actions and reactions.
Discipline begins with punctuality. Managers can put particular emphasis on
maintaining punctuality in the organization. Punctual employees are less likely to take
leaves. Also, employees who take leaves frequently are considered a burden to the
organization.
Discipline helps maintain the decorum of the workplace. Would you enjoy working in
an environment with constant chattering? Or can you concentrate on your daily tasks
with high disturbances? Thus, discipline helps team members’ work efficiently
towards desired goals and objectives of the organization.
7. Understand your Employees’ Needs:
If want to create a
highly motivated
workplace you must
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Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
acknowledge the needs of your employees. Employees show a high level of
engagement and commitment when their needs are met. They also feel extra
motivated and become more inclined towards the goals and vision of the organization.
Daniel H. Pink in his non-fiction ‘Drive: The Surprising Truth About What
Motivates Us,’ says acknowledging the employees' need for Autonomy, Mastery, and
Purpose. Autonomy gives employees a self-direction. Mastery gives them confidence
in their skills. And a sense of purpose makes their work meaningful to them.
The author also suggests that you should pay enough "to take the issue of money off
the table."
Also, today the need for the employees varies. What worked in the past may not work
today. Work trends are changing, and so are the employees' needs. For example,
working parents might expect the flexibility to fulfill personal commitments. And at
the same time, a fresher would seek more training and development programs to
improve their skills. And all of these directly impact the work that they do. Therefore,
understanding employees' needs help stimulate performance and
job satisfaction.
8. A Culture of Constant Feedback:
Elon Musk rightly said, “I think it’s very important to have a feedback loop, where
you’re constantly thinking about what you’ve done and how you could be doing it
better.”
Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
Feedback is an essential part of the workplace communication cycle, and hence,
constant feedback plays a vital role in nurturing an environment with good work
ethics. Honest and constructive feedback is essential for any organization to build a
culture for continuous improvement.
Facilitate open discussions, transparent work culture, suggestions, and rigorous
exchange of ideas and information. Update the norms of the organization with the
latest and best trends from different parts of the world.
9. Fuel their Spirits:
As mentioned in the previous points, management plays a vital role in fostering a
good work ethic among employees. Another part that managers can play in this
equation is by rewarding people for showcasing good work ethics.
Keep your eyes open and try to catch people in your company doing something
right, then praise them for it. ~Tom Hopkins
Human beings have an intrinsic need to thrive for appreciation. Rewarding and
recognizing is a good practice to ensure that the momentum of appreciation is
maintained. It acts as a motivator in "keeping up the good work.” Employees setting
good examples for others by their sound work ethics are just as deserving of
recognition as your best performer. It is your responsibility to fuel their spirits and
make them feel valued and appreciated.
Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
10. Eliminate Obstacles:
Finally, to instill strong work ethics among your employees, you must eliminate the
hurdles in their way. Identify the critical obstacles for your employees, showing poor
work ethics. If your employees are disengaged and demotivated at work, the
chances are high that they wouldn't show strong ethics at work.
Negativity in the workplace, office politics, strict hierarchy, lack of recognition, and
inadequate benefits can lower workplace morale. Remember, the values of ethics will
only bear fruits when they come to employees intrinsically. Do not act impatiently.
Identify the factors, talk to them, and be respectful. It could be anything from internal
miscommunication among team members to undefined company culture or any
personal issues.
Keeping a regular check on these factors is the principal responsibility of managers.
Bottom line
Manifesting success and contentment is a continuous process; thus, one needs to have
the commitment and right work ethics to achieve the same. You cannot paint the
office walls with work ethic quotes and expect everyone to follow them. Initially, it
may work for you. But with times, a workplace culture evolves. So you cannot follow
your old dos and don'ts. You must adapt and understand the employees' pulse and
create an environment where everyone can thrive together.
Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
In a workplace, managers can help instill the above-discussed work ethics and bring a
positive change in the work culture.
What else can we do to instill a strong sense of work ethic among employees? Do tell
us in the comment section below.
