Characteristics of Professionalism in the Office

The ability to get along with fellow workers, to work hard and to avoid demonstrations of ego are all representative behaviors that point to professionalism within the office environment. These go beyond mere niceties that make life more pleasant, because any organization's bottom line can be negatively affected by a lack of professionalism. With livelihoods at stake, all office workers should adhere to key behaviors that positively impact both jobs and performance.

Work Ethic

Companies particularly prize those employees who do not automatically clock out at 5 p.m. and who are motivated to finish the work at hand in an exemplary way. This can involve a work/home balance when family responsibilities intervene, but efficiency and humility go a long way in enabling a strong work ethic, with the concomitant rewards of salary increases and promotions. This is especially applicable as the world becomes smaller and ever more competitive.

Respect

Personal interactions are among the prime keys to a professional work environment. Courtesy and respect go a long way in overcoming the inevitable personality differences among a diverse employee base. From gossip around the proverbial water cooler to more serious issues of backstabbing and sabotage, both employers and employees benefit from self-awareness and a sense of common mission, which should be stressed at every level of an organization.

Attitude and Integrity

While egotistical employees and managers make life unpleasant on all floors of an organization, timidity and lack of self-confidence hinder interaction among a company's various constituents, both in-house and with clients. A positive and forthright attitude conveys professionalism and a willingness to listen, which leads to enhanced productivity and ultimately higher profits. Also, few traits deflate a work environment more than dishonesty, so integrity should be taken as a matter of course for those desiring continued employment.

Appearance

Some companies have implemented "casual Fridays" to give employees and managers a break from what can seem like the buttoned-up formalism of office environments. The care that individuals take with personal appearance, however, often indicates how they respond to detail-oriented work and also conveys a work/home separation that might otherwise equate informality with a slackening of job performance.

References

• Center for Professional Excellence at York College of Pennsylvania: Professionalism Is THE Difference
• Ohio University: Professionalism in the Workplace for New College Grads

Resources

• American University: Washington College of Law: Office of Carer & Professional Development