Keeping It Professional In The Workplace

Posted September 5, 2013 & filed under Uncategorized

Many employees think once they land the position that the hard part is over and need to think again! Applicants go through the stressful interview process and waiting for a call back (which will drive anyone crazy!), then finally the good news arrives. However, one thing is more difficult than the stress of the interview and waiting for an offer- keeping the job! Many employees don’t realize the importance of professionalism in the workplace. Understanding when to be serious and when to be more casual is important. Employers need to see that they have made the right choice in who they have hired. Here are some tips for maintaining professionalism in the workplace.

Be Reliable. Employees should shy away from calling off with no notice, coming in late, taking unapproved breaks, or extra long lunches. Being reliable also means staying focused. Again, most employers aren’t looking for a robot that works diligently every hour of everyday. They understand employees need a break to get up, walk around and take a breath, but shouldn’t get carried away with it. Meeting deadlines is a large factor in being reliable—which essentially, interlocks with focusing.

Avoid Work Relationships. There is no need to explain all of the cons that can come from work relationships. Above anything else, it will decrease professionalism. Even if the relationship goes well, think about how coworkers will react! It may not matter that much to the employee, but their work image is at stake. Just avoid it at all cost.

Social Media. Again, there is no need to explain the dangers of the situations that could happen. If an employee has a social media page of any kind, it is best to make it private. It may not be best that a manager (or other higher-ups) see social activities or other explicit pictures/statuses that aren’t professional. Keep that in mind.

Integrity. Honesty and confidence are two very important factors in the workplace when maintaining a professional image. Employees should be honest, especially with themselves, about how they perform their work. If a deadline isn’t met, excuses shouldn’t be made. It is the employees responsibility to figure out what is going wrong and fix it, or find out what is going right and keep that flow going. Also, integrity should involve the employees making their work better. Voluntarily taking extra classes and earning additional certificates (pertaining to their work) show they want to excel and have professionalism.

Respect. Respect fellow associates, their work, and the working environment. The employee shouldn’t give attitude or come to work in a “mood”.

Positive. This may be one of the most important qualities. A positive attitude can go a long way in terms of being professional. Having an upbeat attitude is helpful; nobody likes a “Debbie downer”. Employees should support their coworkers and expect the same in return.  

Remember- dress appropriately, don’t gossip, watch cursing, and stay classy.

By: Kaitlin Daniel