Work Ethic. A Thing of the Past?
When I talk with employers, many admit they’re struggling to find people with the skills required to do the job. But many, many more tell me that their biggest problem is finding an employee…
- who shows up on time
- shows up every day
- dresses in a suitable way
- interacts with co-workers appropriately
- etc.
These are pesky ‘work ethic’ issues that are hard to quantify, but can make or break a successful career.
- Have things changed?
- Does ‘work ethic’ mean different things to different people?
- Does ‘work ethic’ mean different things to different generations?
- Can ‘work ethic’ be taught?
- Does ‘work ethic’ really matter?
What do you think? This is an important issue — I’d really like to hear from you!
January 28th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
I do think that work ethic is changing. I’m a GenYer that relates much better to my baby boomer colleagues… and in my opinion that has to do with their “work ethic.” I started my career 10 years ago and we would never have left the office at the end of the day with an open order… even if that day turned to evening and we ordered in pizza. To me, that is a great example of work ethic… While I worked under a Manager that didn’t allow OT, the team found ways to give everyone the time off to make up for the extra hours dedicated to exceed the expectations of our clients. I not only think that work ethic matters, but I know that work ethic is critical to success. I also believe that it means different things to different people and different generations. Can work ethic be taught? Of course! It should begin at home when we are young… unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. However, I have been a leader who has seen huge success in our team’s overall “work ethic.” The work ethic of leadership is critical in the work ethic of a team! Leaders who show exceptional work ethic often find that leading by example can have contagious effects on their team regardless of the individual team members’ differences. Thanks for this great platform to share our thoughts and opinions!
January 29th, 2008 at 7:23 am
From my 17 and 18 year old students in an employability class:
As the youngest workers, we think we have a good work ethic. We do our job as told and complete assignments. We feel we complete our tasks more quickly than “older” people. Our work ethic has changed, but only due to advancements in technology. We do work faster, and perhaps more efficiently.
January 29th, 2008 at 7:58 am
I strongly feel that work ethic for the majority of GenYers has gone down the tube. I am a GenY and I feel I have a very strong work ethic and I am sure there are others who also have a great work ethic but the MAJORITY don’t. I do staffing for a variety of companies and the first thing they say they are looking for is someone who goes to work everyday. That blows my mind. That should be a given. You take a job so you have agreed to work that schedule unless an emergency arises. People feel they are owed something as opposed to the idea of working to earn something. If you want an insight to the direction society is heading watch ‘Idiocracy.’
January 29th, 2008 at 10:31 am
I’m a Boomer who believes “work ethic” is mostly anecdotal and maybe generational. I agree with PRR in that a solid work ethic begins when it is instilled at home (a bow to my parents) and leaders in the workforce must show the way so that the followers will follow. But that can only take you so far. To get the best out of everyone in the workplace, you need a business mission that everyone believes in and executive leadership that inspires you, knows the value you bring to the business, recognizes that value, rewards good performance, and lets you do your job without hovering over you or changing the game plan as often as the seasons change.
February 4th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
When I worked for companies in the United States, I saw people who did not know what the words “Work Ethic” meant. It did not matter what age they were. It came down to how they were brought up. I have to agree with some of the comments. I had a woman say in front of me that she worked with different types of people (ie., Hispanics, African Americans, and Anglos) and that none of them worked harder than Asians. I quickly told her work ethic has nothing to do with ethnicity or race. It had to do with what you were shown at home. Both my parents worked for a combined total of 60+ years in the States. They are now retired in Puerto Rico and deserve it. My sisters and I were shown that if we wanted something, we had to work in order to obtain the item. That is what is being passed down to my nephews.