Work Ethics in the 2020’s 2

Introduction to Work Ethics in the 2020’s

In this post, I wanted to take a break from the usual topic of electronics, and PLC’s I’ll just share some ideas that I have about proper Work Ethics in the 2020’s. In today’s changing world, we hear about strikes and protests. We hear about co-workers fighting with each other, and even with management. However, as adults, we should know how to behave, and get along with others. Not only will your employer be happy, but also you will be happier too.

Point #1 — Your employer is your customer

Imagine that you need a repair on your car. You hire someone to do the repair. Obviously, you want the repair to be made properly for a reasonable price. You don’t want the mechanic to demand more payment, or walk off the job. Furthermore, the mechanic would be happier working with someone that treated them with the respect they deserve.

This is the same in the workplace. Your employer hires you to do a job. Most important is to do that job well… to the best of our ability.

Point #2 — Pay Raises

Of course it’s always easier to get a pay raise if you negotiate regular pay raises before you are hired. On the other hand, what if I ask for a raise, and do not get it? We should never make “demands” for more money, but it does not hurt to ask nicely. You should explain why you feel you are worth more. Always do the best work you possibly can, and make yourself more valuable to your employer. It does pay off in the long run. Always show up before your shift starts, and never call off unless it’s an emergency. Your employer as well as other co-workers depend on you being there. If your employer cannot give a raise at that time, then it’s your decision to stay with that employer, or seek an employer who can provide more pay and/or benefits.

Point #3 — Co-Workers

Sometimes other workers will make your job more difficult by not doing as much as they should. This does happen, and management finds out about this through observation, or other complaints. Always set the example. When you do your work, and not complain, undoubtedly, management sees that also. You will come out ahead in the long run. If the problem gets to the point that it’s hurting production, then you might ask management to take a look at how to discuss and fix a problem with a co-worker. Never gossip. That is a rough hole to crawl out of if you fall into it!

Point #4 — Never benefit unfairly

Never benefit unfairly from the company that you work for. This is dishonest and causes resentment from other co-workers. For example, your company had a project to replace a piece of equipment. The old equipment is set to be discarded. In any event you see an opportunity to sell certain parts of the equipment, or even scrap for personal gain. Another problem with this is that you lose credibility from that point on. Your employer would not know if you are making suggestions for the benefit of the company, or for personal gain. Most people hate to see waste. If you have ideas on how to profit from material intended to be discarded, make a suggestion to the company. This profit could be placed back into a project using ideas that benefit everyone.

Point #5 — Desire Success

To stay employed, the business you work for needs to be successful. Don’t get the idea that your employer is making big profits from your labor. At the time you were hired, you agreed to a certain wage to do a certain job. There is no risk of loosing money on that deal. Your employer, however is a business owner. As the business owner, they assume many risks. These risks include complications with productivity, success of advertising, the economic conditions, or even the weather, etc. With higher risk comes higher profits. Otherwise, no one would be willing to take those risks, and therefore, no one would be working. As an employee, you should desire to contribute to the success of the company, and help to make the company profitable. In turn, your employer will desire to keep you at their facility, which usually implies higher wages.

Point #6 — Don’t be Offended (especially important for Work Ethics in the 2020’s)

Some people are perpetually offended. They are not happy unless there is a problem. Additionally, this group needs to feel like they are always a ‘victim”. If you are one of those people, this makes you look weak to others. It does not make you look like a hero. I’ts important to realize that true heroes are no longer with us. That is, those who gave their lives for Christ or for our country. Psalm 119:165 states: “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.”

Don’t pick apart every word out of context that your co-workers say. In other words, don’t be negative. Others will sometimes joke about things. They might not realize how that impacts others. Most of the time, it’s best just to hold your tongue. If it’s part of a trend in a bad direction, then pray for wisdom in how to respond.

If you immediately respond under emotion, chances are you will regret that later.

Point #7 — Pray for Wisdom

James 1:5 States: ^” If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” This has bailed me out a lot of times. I might work for hours on a problem, and not make any progress. It helps to step back and ask for wisdom. Sometimes, the answer will come right away. On the other hand, you might wake up in the middle of the night with the answer. Not only does this apply to solving problems, but also in how to deal with other workers. Wisdom doesn’t come from book knowledge. It comes from relating things you already know. God certainly helps us solve problems by giving us wisdom when we ask.

Point #8 — Make it Happen (another very important point for Work Ethics in the 2020’s)

When your boss asks you to do a job, just make it happen. You agreed to your job duties. Chances are that you already know the physical requirements of the job as well. Sometimes, when your boss tells you to do a job, you might feel a little overwhelmed at first. Hold your tongue and think about the best approach to a job. Think about what the job will look like once you finish. Plot out the steps to complete the job. No one likes a whiner or complainer. You might need help or have questions at times, but find a way to get it done. Your co-workers should not have to pick up your slack. Too many people get frustrated, and want to give up easily. That is not an option. Your employer relies to do the job, and to do it to the best of your ability.

Procrastination is a big hindrance to getting a job done. Basically, this is just a form of laziness. It’s something we all must overcome. The easiest way to overcome procrastination is to just the first step. After that, the job becomes a fun challenge.

Point #9 — Responding to Criticism

Let’s face the fact. You will be criticized from time to time by your boss or co-workers. Your natural reaction is to go on the defense. Don’t be defensive, and don’t make excuses. Examine yourself, and put yourself in their shoes. It’s part of a refining process that makes you a better worker. Additionally, correcting any bad behavior will help you be a better person overall. Let’s say, for example, that you pick your nose, or use foul language in front of customers. It might be a habit that you are unaware of. Not only does this make you look bad, it has a bad effect on the company. Ask others to help you realize when you are doing wrong, and correct it. Proverbs 27:6 states: Faithful are the wounds of a friend.

On the other hand, if you become defensive every time you are criticized, then others may no longer attempt to point out flaws that need correction. Eventually, the company might decide your services are no longer needed.

Point #10 — Stay Humble

Proverbs 16:18 states: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Naturally, the longer you are working your job, the better you become. You may get praise from your boss and co-workers. However, do not let this go to your head. If it does, you will start to become more slack, and less desirable to work with. Never think you know it all. Always ask for the input of other workers when possible. There is always more that you can learn from others. Iron sharpeneth iron; Proverbs 27:17.

Point #11 — Be On Time

If you aren’t 10 minutes early, you are already late. Your co-workers and management depend on you being there. Not only can you face disciplinary action, but it just looks very bad on you. This goes along with calling off unnecessarily. If you are really sick, no one wants you spreading germs around, but realize the impact that will have on everyone else. Also, be sure to take care of yourself if going to work will aggravate a condition. Just don’t be calling off work because you feel too lazy to go in that day. Everyone has those days.

Summary of Work Ethics in the 2020’s

In short, do your job, and be nice to everyone. Do what you can to make everyone happy that you work with. Once gossip and resentment set in, your place of work becomes a place of bickering at hate. It’s much easier to get up in the morning and go to work with people you get along with, and to go to bed knowing you did your best.

These are just some thoughts I wanted to share to keep in mind while performing our job to our best! Work Ethics in the 2020’s are important!

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— Ricky Bryce