10 Traits of a True Hard Worker
While showing up to work on time every day is typically required of an employee, it is just one of the many things a true hard worker does on a daily basis. In order to not only keep your job but to earn the respect of your superiors and the opportunity for advancement, you must adopt the traits all hard-working employees have.
Dependability - When you accept a job, you’re agreeing to be there all day, every day that you are scheduled. Avoid leaving early or arriving late as much as possible and don’t ask for time off on a consistent basis.
Punctuality - While you may not think it’s a big deal to walk in the door five minutes late for your shift, your supervisor is definitely taking note of it. True hard workers not only show up on time, but usually arrive early.
Initiative - Go-getters seize every day by looking for opportunities to initiate change for the better. If you discover a more efficient way to do a task, or have a creative solution to a problem, take the initiative to let your supervisor know.
Flexibility - Be willing to jump in to help out a co-worker, even if it’s not your job to do so. Be willing to change your schedule or daily tasks in order to help out the company as a whole and get the job done in the most efficient way possible.
Motivation - Be the type of person to sweep the floor without being asked, or to start on a project that wasn’t scheduled until tomorrow. Having the self-motivation to anticipate your company’s needs and act on them whenever possible will not go unnoticed.
Priorities - Align your priorities with the goals of the company. If an increase in sales will benefit your company the most, make it your goal to make that happen, whether you work directly in sales or are providing administrative support.
Learning- Employees eager to learn are perceived as working harder than those who don’t participate or ask questions during meetings and training sessions.
Self-Reliance - Figure out how to rely on yourself to get the job done, rather than your boss having to walk you through it. Sometimes, you have to rely on your peers for an important piece of the project, but in general you should be able to accomplish your tasks without a huge amount of assistance.
Stamina - You can’t work hard without being able to do the work you’ve been hired to do. If there are reasonable steps you can take to help improve your overall performance, have the motivation and stamina to take them.
Perseverance - Always finish what you start. You may appear to be working hard on a project, but leaving it unfinished just proves you’re actually lazy.
You’ll probably keep your job if you show up to work on time and do what’s asked of you every day. But to earn the respect of your peers and supervisors, you must be a true hard worker who demonstrates the above traits on a daily basis. Your efforts will not go unnoticed.