What is Work Ethics?
Work ethics definition could be termed as moral guidelines that an organization as a whole, and the individuals who comprise it, follow to comply with state and federal laws. Ethics also are the basis of cohesive, supportive company culture and an important way for a company to build a strong relationship with its customers. Employees may also find it challenging and uncomfortable to survive and work for the long term in businesses where a strong work ethic is lacking.
Many companies make their work ethics into marketing points, such as Chipotle advertising that it does not source meat from suppliers that use artificial hormones or antibiotics in their meat production. Similarly, Lush’s commitment to minimizing waste by using recycled materials for its labels and paper packaging is based on their ethics.
What are some examples of Work Ethics?
In most cases, work ethics in an organization are derived from secular values like:
- trustworthiness
- integrity
- fairness
- responsibility
- accountability
- loyalty
- camaraderie
- citizenship
- respect
- caring
In many industries, workplace ethics are derived from laws and industry regulations. In the United States, employers are required to comply with the safety laws enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and anti-discrimination laws enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The protections these laws offer to employees can be used as a springboard to create workplace ethics, such as:
- anti-discrimination policies
- anti-harassment policies
- policies for interactions with clients
- safety policies
Why are Work Ethics important?
Workplace ethics are important because they keep all members of an organization accountable for their actions. Maintaining a strong, ethical code creates a sense of security through boundaries for employees. It also enables management to make decisions that benefit the company as a whole while meeting consumer and employee needs.
By creating boundaries for employees at all levels, workplace ethics help employees feel valued. In a workplace with no ethical standards, an employee might feel like she cannot speak to a supervisor about her sexual harassment experience, or as if she has no guidance on how to manage interactions with a difficult customer. Just as in romantic and family relationships, ethics serve to create healthy relationships between colleagues.
Workplace ethics matter outside the workplace, too. In today’s online world, every company is under close public scrutiny. Maintaining ethical standards helps companies maintain strong relationships with consumers by setting precedents in their industries that command respect.
Also read: What is Work Behaviour?
What are the types of Work Ethics in an organization?
1. Reliability
A dependable employee is an excellent teammate. The person you hire will be dependable if they have a high work ethic, and they'll deliver to the best of their ability on every project they work on. These employees also know how to prioritize tasks and make sure that everything is completed on time and correctly.
2. Dedication
Commitment and dedication are important parts of a good work ethic. These employees are focused on the tasks at hand, even when they're interrupted. They stay on task and work until they finish their duties.
These employees usually don't leave one company for long periods of time, but they're usually loyal to one company for years or decades as well.
3. Discipline
A highly disciplined employees is someone who meets or exceeds expectations, seeks opportunities to learn skills and improve their performance, and does not take the job for granted.
4. Productivity
Outstanding productivity is the result of a strong work ethic. Employees that are productive generally outperform their peers. They finish tasks ahead of schedule and go above and beyond the call of duty.
Discipline is an essential part of a good work ethic. Highly disciplined employees show determination and commitment to the job. They strive to meet or exceed expectations, seeking opportunities to learn new skills that will help them perform better.
5. Cooperation
Employees who coordinate freely on initiatives frequently disseminate a healthy work ethic people around them. Team building ensures that they work well together and immediately aid others when required.
6. Integrity
Maintaining professional integrity entails adhering to strong moral ideas. Those with a high work ethic also have exceptional integrity. They are truthful, respectful, and kind to others.
7. Responsibility
A strong workplace ethic necessitates a sharp feeling of responsibility. Ethical and responsible people hold themselves accountable for their conduct. They will accept responsibility for errors they have caused and will strive diligently to resolve these issues.
8. Professionalism
Professionalism is usually always maintained by employees that have a strong work ethic. They demonstrate a professional demeanour in the way they dress, speak, and conduct themselves. They’re respectful, focused, organized and neat.
In conclusion, workplace ethics are an essential factor in any company’s success. Without setting clear standards of ethical behavior and holding employees to those standards, the company will suffer in terms of both employee morale and productivity. From respecting one’s colleagues to dealing honestly with customers, good work ethics lead to a healthier business environment, which in turn leads to a successful organization.
