What Is a Strong Work Ethic?
Some employees have a strong work ethic (Group A), others display aspects of it some of the time (Group B), while certain employees clearly have a low work ethic (Group C). Firstly, we look at Group A and examine the qualities that drive their work performance. Secondly, we explore how Group B can be motivated to perform better or more consistently. Thirdly, we look at Group C and how to manage these underperformers with cloud based time and attendance systems.
Group A – Employees with a Strong Work Ethic
Organisations should value those employees who have a strong work ethic because they can always be relied on to outperform their colleagues. There is a great danger of losing them if the company does not measure up in terms of the qualities they value or leaves them to perform mundane tasks.
Let us look at the characteristics and behaviours of Group A employees.
Hard Work
Hard work includes keeping up a good pace and not slacking off. It also involves welcoming more complex work and the challenge of learning new things. When individuals in Group A don’t understand something, they try to figure it out, ask, or do research. They never give up or set the task aside for later.
Self-Discipline
Group A performers find out what needs to be done, when a project is due, and get on with it. They have an internal locus of control and do not need to be motivated or supervised. Additionally, they will often come up with new initiatives and find better ways of working.
Integrity
Don’t ask a Group A person to do something unethical. Not only will they refuse, but they may even consider leaving because their faith in the company relies on how it responds to weeding out immoral or unethical behaviour.
Professionalism
Group A people treat customers professionally and follow their queries through until the customer is satisfied. If the customer is wrong, they will use figures to explain, e.g., an account. This is the approach that they bring to all their tasks. They are punctual and will give up some of their personal time to ensure a project’s success.
Group B- Employees Who Display Some Aspects of a Good Work Ethic
Those employees who sometimes demonstrate a good work ethic but are not consistent in their work behaviour and do not display all the qualities as their norm, are best motivated by a healthy organisational culture. Motivation and praise will encourage them to work to their best capacity. They have some inherent qualities or principles that were instilled in childhood and a mentor may be able to help them acquire other qualities.
At times they will need to be managed, for example, their punctuality can be evaluated with time and attendance software UK.
Group C- Employees with a Low Work Ethic
Group C employees display some or all of the following qualities: procrastination, toxicity, irresponsibility, lateness or leaving work early, and unprofessional conduct. They can be managed with cloud-based time and attendance systems and software. Click here to find out more about time and attendance software.