Valued Employees – A Top 10 List
This list shows the qualities that employers value most. This list was compiled from numerous sources on the web, with general agreement on top attributes that matter.
1. Dependability – be someone your boss can count on, no matter what. This starts with arriving to work on time, returning from lunch and breaks on time, and calling promptly in the rare instance you are late or sick. Then, deliver quality work that is always on time, so your boss doesn’t spend additional time worrying.
2. Honesty and Integrity – earn a trustworthy reputation. Enter time accurately, avoid office gossip, and don’t “borrow” company supplies or spend time on personal calls or the Internet during work. You are being paid for your time, so use it wisely. Your words and actions represent the company, so put your best face forward at all times.
3. Positive Attitude – bring a “can do” spirit to the job. Look for creative solutions to problems and spread good cheer and humor on the job. Be the type of co-worker you would like to work with, contributing to a positive workplace environment for all.
4. Initiative and Motivation – work hard and work smart. Get noticed for a strong work ethic and staying one step ahead of the game. This might include anticipating problems before they arise, creative solutions to common workplace challenges, or just managing your downtime productively.
5. Flexibility and Adaptability – be ready and helpful at moments of change. Whether it’s a project that’s behind schedule or an extra pair of hands when someone’s sick, be ready to jump in to new roles and new assignments, so the work can proceed as planned. Do anything you can do to help the work get done.
6. Interpersonal Skills – establish positive working relationships. Working well with others (co-workers, clients, the boss, and more) requires the right blend of listening, tact, decorum, and good nature. Start with the golden rule, treating others the way you would want to be treated. A professional attitude and dressing appropriately for the workplace also help to set the right tone.
7. Team Players – chip in to get the work done. Often times, you may be asked to complete tasks as part of a group, so figure out how to work productively with even your most difficult colleagues to achieve the task at hand. Also, celebrate accomplishments as part of the team, instead of stealing the spotlight for yourself.
8. Good Communication – share information proactively and clearly. Communication is essential to even the most common workplace interactions, whether giving instructions, asking questions to clarify tasks, or offering frequent status updates to keep your boss in the loop. Good communication is clear, concise, direct and proactive. Share information early and often, and repeat back what you’ve just heard to confirm that the message was understood.
9. Willingness to Learn.The best employees are eager to learn and are good at taking direction to gain new skills. From day one, demonstrate your commitment to becoming highly skilled at your job. As your knowledge expands, look for opportunities to become a greater asset to the company – perhaps
eventually positioning yourself for a good promotion, too.
10. Specialized Skills – analytical, problem-solving, and computer skills rank high on the list. While job skills vary by position, employers frequently look for employees who can analyze situations, develop solutions to problems, and are good with computers. There are many opportunities to study these and other specialized skills via online learning or classes in the community, and you can work at your own pace to strengthen these skills over time. (Note that the Improve section can help you get started.) This list was compiled from multiple web sources, professional blogs, and career sites, with high agreement from all sources.