Building a Strong Work Ethic: Six Traits and Habits that Employers Value

Given the competitive nature of today’s job market, a strong work ethic is critical for individuals looking to stand out from the crowd and both secure, and maintain, meaningful employment.

A strong work ethic is comprised of a set of traits and habits that employers value highly, particularly given the dynamic and fast-paced environment within the Australian business landscape.

But what exactly are the qualities that must be cultivated to demonstrate a strong work ethic? We list six below:

Reliability and Punctuality

One of the most valued traits in not just the workplace, but life in general, is reliability. Employers and teammates love individuals who consistently show up on time, adhere to deadlines and fulfil their responsibilities. Being reliable demonstrates a strong commitment to the job and a willingness to go the extra mile to get things done. As an extension of reliability, punctuality is also highly regarded. It is a sign of professionalism, and a sign of respect for other people’s time.

Initiative and Self-Motivation

Employees who are self-motivated and demonstrate initiative are highly sought after. Those who go above and beyond with their assigned tasks, and proactively seek out opportunities to contribute to the business, are valued team members and stand out from the crowd. Exhibiting such a mindset, and a willingness to take on responsibilities, shows a strong work ethic and a willingness/drive to excel in their role.

Adaptability and Flexibility

While always valued and important, the need for flexibility and adaptability in the post-Covid business landscape is essential. Employers cherish those who can navigate through uncertain situations, handle unexpected challenges and adjust their approach to a task at a moment’s notice. Not only are these important skills to have on a personal level, but adaptable and flexible employees allow organisations to remain competitive and responsive to market demands.

Commitment to Continuous Learning

With a heavy emphasis on education and professional development in the Australian job market, employees who commit to learning and self-improvement are in high demand. The ability learn new skills, remain up to date with the latest industry trends and undertake education and training shows initiative and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Individuals who can bring innovative ideas and new knowledge to an organisation are highly regarded.

Strong Communication Skills

The ability to effectively communicate is a key component of a strong work ethic. Those who can articulate their thoughts clearly, listen actively and collaborate effectively – with colleagues and clients alike – are highly valued by Australian employers. Strong communication skills help create a positive work environment/culture, foster teamwork, and ensure that projects and tasks are completed efficiently and on time. Given the high levels of multiculturalism in modern-day Australia, the ability to understand and communicate with different backgrounds and cultures is especially important.

Ethical Conduct and Integrity

While not specifically traits of a strong work ethic, it would be remiss not to touch on these. Demonstrating honesty, trustworthiness and ethical decision-making is highly valued by employers. Organisations are continually on the lookout for employees who will uphold their values, and act with integrity with colleagues, clients and stakeholders alike. Maintaining high standards of ethical conduct and integrity helps build a positive culture, trust and credibility.

Are you hiring? How to make sure you’re getting the best candidate in the market

Recruitment is an essential process for any business, but it can also be costly. The time, effort, and resources required to attract, screen, and hire candidates can quickly add up. The average cost of a bad hire can be up to 30% of the employee’s first-year earnings.

Fortunately, there is a solution to reduce the cost of recruitment while still attracting top talent: partnering to a professional recruiter like PERSOLKELLY.

Here are some of the ways in which outsourcing recruitment to PERSOLKELLY can help businesses save time and money:

  1. Reduce advertising costs: One of the biggest expenses in recruitment is advertising job openings. Posting job listings on job boards or in newspapers can be expensive, particularly for businesses with multiple openings. PERSOLKELLY has an extensive network of job boards and social media channels that it uses to advertise job openings, reducing the cost of advertising for businesses.
  2. Streamline the hiring process: The hiring process can be lengthy and time-consuming, particularly for businesses that lack a dedicated HR team. PERSOLKELLY can help businesses streamline the hiring process by handling all aspects of the process, including screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and conducting background checks. We can also support you in areas that people don’t often talk about, like counter offers. This can reduce the amount of time and effort required from internal staff, freeing them up to focus on other business priorities.
  3. Access to a wider pool of talent: Businesses that try to recruit candidates internally may miss out on top talent who are not actively looking for work or do not see your company’s job ad. PERSOLKELLY has an extensive network of candidates, including passive candidates who are open to new opportunities. These relationships have been built over many years with the time invested in building our candidate database. This can help businesses find the best candidate for the job and reduce the cost of turnover.
  4. Expertise in candidate assessment: One of the biggest costs to a business is investing in the wrong candidate. PERSOLKELLY has extensive experience in candidate assessment, including conducting skills tests and assessing cultural fit. This can help businesses reduce the risk of hiring the wrong candidate and save money in the long run. Additionally, if the candidate does not progress as expected, partnering with PERSOLKELLY provides you with a replacement guarantee, ensuring the investment is not lost.

Partnering with a professional recruiter like PERSOLKELLY can help businesses reduce the cost of recruitment while still attracting top talent. By leveraging the agency’s expertise, businesses can streamline the hiring process, access a wider pool of talent and reduce the risk of hiring the wrong candidate.

Contact us today.

Revolutionizing ICT Recruitment in New Zealand with PERSOLKELLY New Zealand’s ICT Division

With the ever-increasing demand for talented ICT professionals, businesses in New Zealand are facing a significant challenge when it comes to finding the right people for the job. That’s where PERSOLKELLY (PSK) New Zealand’s ICT Division comes in. We are excited to introduce our new division, which provides quality ICT recruitment services in New Zealand. With Regina Lai at the helm, we are confident in our ability to place top talent in roles such as BI, DW and Analytics, Business and Systems Analyst, Data Analyst, Infrastructure and Support, Security Consultant / Specialist, Software Developer, and more.

Why Choose PSK’s ICT Division: At PSK, we are committed to revolutionizing ICT recruitment in New Zealand. Here’s why you should choose us for your next recruitment needs:

1. Expertise: Our team of experienced recruiters has a deep understanding of the ICT industry and the skills required for success. We work closely with businesses to identify their unique needs and find candidates who are the perfect fit.

2. Quality Candidates: We have an extensive network of talented ICT professionals, both locally and internationally. We screen all candidates rigorously to ensure they meet our high standards of quality and suitability.

3. Personalised Service: At PSK, we believe in building long-term relationships with our clients. We take the time to understand your business and your recruitment needs, and we work closely with you to find the right people for the job.

4. Commitment to Success: We are committed to providing the best possible service to both clients and candidates alike. We are dedicated to helping businesses find the talent they need to achieve their goals, and to helping candidates find their dream jobs.

We are passionate about helping businesses and candidates succeed in the ICT industry. With our expertise, commitment to quality, personalised service, and dedication to success, we are confident in our ability to revolutionize ICT recruitment in New Zealand. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the right talent for your business, or to explore your career options in the ICT industry.

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