Note to freshers: Skills are important but ignore work ethic at your own peril

Skills and knowledge undoubtedly play a crucial role in landing the right job. However, having a strong work ethic is what will allow employees to grow professionally and personally, and this is especially true for freshers.

Irrespective of the industry and job role, employers highly value work ethic as a trait when hiring skilled individuals. When it comes to freshers, displaying exemplary work ethic will help them rise above the competition even if they do not have much experience and a track record to back them.

This makes it important for freshers trying to get a foothold in the workplace to learn the importance of a strong work ethic, ways to develop and leverage this attribute, to convey their potential to employers.

Key characteristics and the reason for demand

Characterised by qualities such as reliability, responsibility, integrity and diligence, a good work ethic shows a proactive approach to one’s duties, persistent effort in achieving quality results, and a commitment to completing tasks efficiently and ethically, says Murali Santhanam, CHRO, AscentHR.

In his opinion, freshers with strong work ethics are highly valued as they are more likely to be dependable, motivated and self-disciplined, contributing positively to the workplace culture and productivity.

Ankit Aggarwal, Founder and CEO, Unstop, defines a good work ethic as a set of values that translate into how you approach your work. “For me, it means being reliable, someone I can count on to deliver high-quality work consistently and on time. It involves a strong sense of responsibility, ownership of your tasks, and a willingness to go the extra mile to see things through.”

When a fresher’s perspective, hunger to learn, and eagerness to prove themselves are combined with a strong work ethic, employers get someone who is a quick learner, willing to put in the effort, and can become a real asset to the team, he explains.

Breaking the common misconceptions about work ethic

The traditional definition of work ethic emphasises more on prioritising work by engaging in long work hours, which has led to numerous misconceptions. A modern viewpoint of work ethic also gives prominence to productivity but without sacrificing personal well-being.

Elaborating on this, Santhanam says the most prevalent misconception is equating long hours with a good work ethic or believing that taking breaks is an indication of laziness. Further guiding novice employees in assessing the true essence of a strong work ethic, he says the key difference lies in understanding the difference between productive diligence and overwork. While productive diligence involves managing one’s time and energy wisely to achieve goals efficiently, overwork often leads to burnout and diminished productivity, he adds.

Potential challenges to maintaining work ethic

Learning to maintain a good work ethic may put freshers in some challenging situations initially. These situations have to be tackled strategically.

Early career professionals might struggle with setting boundaries, leading to overcommitment and burnout, says Santhanam. Besides, prioritising tasks amid varied responsibilities, along with the desire to impress the bosses, can lead to neglecting personal well-being. This can affect professional growth in the long term.

Though the emphasis on work-life balance is going up, Aggarwal says freshers may find it hard to focus on their personal life when trying to create an impact with their work. Also, a feeling of imposter syndrome can pop up in their minds, leading to self-doubt and lack of confidence.

Effective strategies to develop a good work ethic

A strong work ethic may come naturally to some. But that does not mean others cannot develop it. Both experts suggest embracing strategies that can help individuals cultivate or strengthen strong work ethic.

To begin with, define your goals to understand how you can grow in your role, and continuously work towards it. Plus, take ownership of all your tasks and remain accountable for your results. Another important piece of advice from the experts is to grab every opportunity that comes your way and stay proactive to learn and grow into a professional.

Time management is of utmost importance when trying to develop a strong work ethic. Individuals should focus on prioritising tasks and effectively managing time to avoid procrastination. Not doing these shows poor professionalism.

Seeking feedback is just as crucial, say the experts. It helps improve your performance and sharpens your skills, making you an ideal candidate for growth opportunities within the organisation.

Most importantly, they advise youngsters to act with honesty and integrity. Make ethical calls even in adverse times as that will set you apart and show that you have desirable work ethics.