Open-Letter to Employees

Dear Employee,

In the euphoria of New Year 2018, I welcome you to the first working day in the first week of the first month of this year. I understand you are still in the celebration-mode from the Yuletide and holiday season. Hmmm…and you wished the season never ends, but it's time to get back to the work-mode because employers are waiting to get the job done. As a matter of fact, money spent during the celebration season have to be re-couped.

In this year, be smart, be intelligent, increase your skills, focus on your strengths, dwell in your comfort zone because that's where creativity and productivity lies. Be a doer and a supporter in your workplace, embrace challenges, and take intelligent risk. Be loyal. Seek to understand your employer. Be committed to the organisation goals. Be proactive. Run your work-space like you're the CEO. Don't indulge in office politics. Express your concerns to your boss. Be emotionally intelligent - your boss is also human. Work in harmony with other colleagues. And uphold the following values:

Good Behavior

All companies specify what acceptable behavior is, and what is not, when hiring an employee. Many even summarize expected conduct in job descriptions or during the interview process. Behavior guidelines typically address topics, such as harassment, work attire and language. Workers who don’t follow codes of conduct may receive written and verbal warnings, and ultimately be fired.

Integrity

A key component to workplace ethics and behavior is integrity, or being honest and doing the right thing at all times. For example, health care employees who work with mentally or physically challenged patients must possess a high degree of integrity, as those who manage and work primarily with money. Workers with integrity also avoid gossip and sneakiness while on the job.

Accountability

Taking responsibility for your actions is another major factor when it comes to workplace ethics and behavior. That means showing up on scheduled workdays, as well as arriving on time and putting in an honest effort while on the job. Workers who exhibit accountability are honest when things go wrong, then work toward a resolution while remaining professional all the while.

Teamwork

A vital aspect of the workplace is working well with others. That includes everyone from peers to supervisors to customers. While not all employees will always like each other, they do need to set aside their personal or even work-related differences to reach a larger goal. In many instances, those who are not considered “team players” can face demotion or even termination. On the other hand, those who work well with others often can advance on that aspect alone, with teamwork sometimes even outweighing performance.

Commitment

Ethical and behavioral guidelines in the workplace often place a high amount of importance on dedication. Although possessing the necessary skills is essential, a strong work ethic and positive attitude toward the job can carry you a long way. Plus, dedication is often viewed in the business world as “contagious,” meaning employees who give a strong effort can often inspire their co-workers to do the same.

All the best,

Segun-Martins Ogunyemi

CEO, Pro Logic Ideas Consulting.