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November 16, 2019

3 simple ways to make a strong work ethic for small businesses

3 simple ways to make a strong work ethic for small businesses.

There are two types of work ethics: good and bad.

Someone with a bad work ethic rushes through projects, is often absent from work, or misses deadlines — in other words, an unproductive employee with a tendency to slack off.

On the other hand, an employee with a good work ethic possesses the willingness to work hard, has great time management skills, and is adaptable and flexible to different tasks. Business World’s Rajguru Tandon explains that having a strong work ethic is directly correlated to productivity and a good work culture, and it’s not hard to see why management must value and work towards it.

But how does one encourage good work ethic? Out of all the soft skills employees can have, it is the most challenging to cultivate. This is because it consists of multiple secondary skills, such as time management, responsibility, and adaptability, all of which have to be finely tuned over time.

Fortunately, organizations can develop this skill by showing one key value: integrity. Management must walk the talk by creating an environment that supports good work ethic and responds well to improper behavior.

But if you’re a little lost on how to start, here are a few ways you can begin promoting good work ethic in your workplace.

1. Help them prioritize

Learning how to prioritize tasks promotes productivity and cultivates an employee’s time management skills. Thus, encourage your employees to get into the habit of planning and prioritizing, which involves looking at everything they need to do for a day or week, and then figuring out which ones are most critical.

In this way, Verizon Connect’s Taylor Fasulas notes that they will be able to set clear goals for their day and avoid wasting lots of time feeling overwhelmed. Start by setting clear expectations and timelines, and throw the idea of multitasking out the window.

Encourage your team to create centralized to-do lists, so everyone can see what each one is working on for the day and can avoid adding to it unless really necessary.

2. Provide praise and feedback where necessary

Employees want to do better — but they also want to know what they’ve been doing right. Guest writer Smith Willas explains that employees begin to lose their confidence when their accomplishments aren’t appreciated, and will eventually think of themselves as just another number in the company.

Show public recognition of achievements, small or large, and prioritize face-to-face compliments over virtual ones where possible. Rewarding people will motivate them to work hard, and inspire others to do the same.

Of course, it’s still important to give feedback where necessary, but make sure it’s in a manner that’s constructive in order to improve performance. After all, no one wants to hear all the negatives without hearing about how they can do better.

3. Be flexible and adaptable yourself

With 77% of Canadians believing that flexible work is the new normal, encouraging flexibility and adaptability has to work both ways.

Today’s working generation seeks a healthy work-life balance, and why shouldn’t they? Reduce occupational stress of commuting and traffic jams by allowing your employees to have flexible work schedules, and adapt to your employees’ needs where necessary.

For instance, consider allowing them to have a more flexible work schedule if they’re going through a hard time with their personal life. But also, be flexible and adaptable to what works for your employees — not all their work routines are the same. Give them space to do their tasks, and step in with guidance whenever required. In turn, they will make an effort to meet your expectations and be flexible when needed.

In short

Encouraging a strong work ethic is a two-way street — both employees and employers have to work on it. Practicing simple solutions such as offering praise and feedback, remaining flexible, and encouraging prioritization can help significantly encourage a strong work ethic in your workplace.

— TheLeadingJ is a passionate poet, a long-time HR manager, and a questionable singer. After travelling the world for two years, she’s finally decided to settle down in the bustling city of Toronto, Canada. When she isn’t working, she loves to bake and try out new recipes from all over the world.

• Posted 11.16.19 at 06:32 am by Roy Osing
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