A new survey by HR management company ADP revealed that “a strong work ethic” is the top skill companies are looking for in new hires, but it’s the hardest to find. This research further validates the importance of soft skills in the workplace and how these behavioral skills can give job seekers a competitive edge.
Per ADP’s research, people who embody a strong work ethic are punctual, organized, efficient and willing to go the extra mile to get the job done well.
Moreover, a strong work ethic involves consistent effort and includes the following characteristics:
- Accountability—A strong work ethic goes beyond punctuality. Accountable workers accept and own responsibility for their successes and failures.
- Dependability—Professional and reliable workers meet deadlines, are attentive and respectful in workplace settings, and navigate different communication styles.
- Integrity—A worker with integrity is honest, polite and fair to others. It’s about doing the right thing even when nobody is watching.
- Productivity—Those with a strong work ethic can consistently navigate priorities and find smart ways to manage their time and deliver high-quality results. They also often go above and beyond what’s expected of them.
A strong work ethic can be foundational to a worker’s long-term success. Consistent hard work often leads to advancement opportunities and greater job satisfaction.
Fortunately, work ethic is not innate; you can learn and develop the trait over time. Consider these tips for building a strong work ethic:
- Develop self-discipline. Everybody has times when they’re less productive or procrastinate. Self-discipline focuses on understanding your work rhythms, maintaining energy and exercising self-control.
- Reprioritize tasks daily. Begin each workday by determining what projects you need to accomplish and prioritize them. Ensure you’re setting aside enough time to hit immediate deadlines and allocating time to progress on bigger, long-term projects.
- Set healthy boundaries. Doing too many projects can lead to burnout. It’s important to balance that drive with a healthy work-life balance.
More of today’s employers want and are looking for soft skills from candidates. A strong work ethic is a desirable trait, and anyone has the potential to develop it. If you’re feeling stuck, talk to your manager to better understand your role’s expectations or discuss growth opportunities.
Feel free to reach out to us to seek assistance with any workplace guidance. We look forward to supporting your needs and contributing to the success of your organization.