A Pathway for Professionalism in the Workplace

Professionalism is a core value at JWilliams Staffing and we’ll cover its importance to both employers and employees in this third blog of our Core Values Series.

A Pathway for Professionalism in the Workplace: Insights for Employers and Job Seekers

When it comes to professionalism, many outside factors can influence how people perceive what it means to be professional. Cultural norms, industry standards, personal values, and individual experiences all play a part in how we interpret the concept.

In addition, there are certain “professional protocols” that make sense in one industry but don’t make sense in another. For example, a strict dress code or maintaining a formal demeanor may be the standard in one workplace and not somewhere else.

Yet even with our varied perceptions and industry-specific guidelines, there are several commonalities across industries when it comes to defining a “standard” in professionalism.

Premier employers strive to maintain professional work environments through various strategies aimed at fostering a positive and productive atmosphere, and in turn, employees benefit greatly when professionalism is one of their employer’s core values.

While one may think that an employer is “just being strict” or perhaps “old school” by requiring certain guidelines be followed, the fact is that there are several benefits for both the employer and the employees that mean professionalism will never be outdated nor will it go “out of style.”  Plus, there are also many reasons that support why both employers and employees should care.

Why Should Professionalism Matter to Everyone?

It Starts with the Leadership Team Creating the Environment

One common strategy that creates a professional work environment is to prioritize communication and transparency within the organization. This involves promoting open dialogue among employees, providing regular feedback, and ensuring that important information is shared effectively. Employees benefit from this approach because it eliminates ambiguity or being caught off guard by constructive feedback. Research from organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Gallup Organization shows that in an environment where communication and clarity are fostered, employees experience reduced anxiety and sense a level of trust that helps them feel valued and respected. Employers benefit from happier employees who are less stressed and more productive.

Employee well-being is also a priority for premier employers. They often offer opportunities for professional development, they support work-life balance, and provide resources for employee wellness. By investing in their employees' growth and development, premier employers show their commitment to creating a positive work environment. In a study conducted by Indeed, the findings showed that more than 87% of employees consider health and wellness offerings when choosing their employer. And 94% of employers shared in a survey conducted by Harvard Business Review that offering wellness benefits makes attracting better talent easier and it helps with retention.

In addition, premier employers actively address and resolve conflicts in a timely and constructive manner. By promoting a culture of accountability, teamwork, and problem-solving, they ensure that any issues that arise are addressed promptly to maintain a harmonious work environment.

Overall, premier employers understand the importance of creating a professional work environment that nurtures employee well-being, encourages collaboration, and promotes growth and development.

How Employees Can Master Professionalism

When interviewing, understand that this sets the stage for your professional journey which means that you are more likely to make a positive impression with a premier employer when you dress appropriately in attire that matches your potential employer’s dress code. When possible and when it makes sense, play it safe and dress one notch above what you consider to be appropriate. Make sure you prepare thoroughly by researching the company and asking relevant questions. Be confident in your skills and maintain a positive attitude.

Once you’ve accepted the opportunity and are in the workplace your professionalism becomes an ongoing commitment and it should throughout your career:

• Respect colleagues: Show kindness, practice active listening, and treat everyone with dignity.
• Communicate effectively: Use clear and concise language, choose appropriate channels, and respond promptly to messages.
• Uphold work ethics: Complete tasks on time, take responsibility for mistakes, and maintain confidentiality.
• Exhibit a proactive attitude: Take initiative, seek new challenges, and offer solutions to problems.
• Collaborate well: Foster a positive work environment by working well in teams, valuing diverse opinions, and resolving conflicts professionally.
• Adapt to change: Embrace new technologies, learn new skills, and stay flexible in the face of evolving work environments.

Professionalism as a Core Value at JWilliams Staffing

At JWilliams Staffing, our people are making a difference by adopting our core values with Professionalism being one of them. Our staff and our talent commit to being professional in the office and when we assign them to support our clients at your workplace. “We train our talent on industry best practices, and we cover the core values that make JWilliams Staffing who we are and what we promise to deliver,” says JoAnne Williams, CEO of JWilliams Staffing. “Professionalism is one aspect that we haven’t compromised for over 20 years, and we won’t because we know how much that matters to our clients and the customers of our clients.”

Sources:

Harvard Business Review Survey in partnership with Indeed: Cultivating Worker Wellbeing to Drive Business Value (indeed.com)

Wellbeing at Work, by the Numbers (indeed.com)