Professionalism is defined by Oxford Dictionaries as “the practicing of an activity…, by professional rather than amateur players” (Professionalism). Once an employee becomes part of a workplace, they are acknowledged as no longer being an amateur, but as a person of skill, experience, and value and must act accordingly. Wall Street blogger Rachel Silverman has written about research provided by the Center for Professional Excellence at York College of Pennsylvania that found that from 2008 to 2013 professionalism among college graduates has not increased, but decreased in the eyes of experienced business professionals. (2013). It would appear that, in general, graduates are not progressing beyond amateur status. The reasons for this are not discussed, however, when researchers interviewed hiring managers, the most common unprofessional traits noted were poor attitude and ethics.
When discussing professionalism, it may be helpful to first clarify what behavior constitutes un-professionalism. While negative attitudes and inadequate ethics were the most commonly noted problems, dressing in a manner inappropriate for business, lack of punctuality and attendance, dishonesty, inappropriate use of technology, and the inability to follow a task or assignment through to completion were also specifically noted by the interviewed managers. In general, they appear to have felt that new graduates behaved too casually while at work, treating co-workers as friends and not as professional peers and superiors.
In order to address this issue, companies often provide training on what they feel is professionalism in the workplace. Mid-Atlantic Renal Coalition’s presentation on professionalism in the workplace clarifies who and how professionalism is judged, making note of cultural distinctions. For the most part, professionalism boils down to showing respect for self and others – whether it is respect for the job that needs to be done, time that the employer is paying for, or services or products provided. J Williams Staffing identifies the basic principles of workplace professionalism as attitude, appearance, conversation, technology use, ethical behavior, and work/home balance.
In order to address this issue, companies often provide training on what they feel is professionalism in the workplace. Mid-Atlantic Renal Coalition’s presentation on professionalism in the workplace clarifies who and how professionalism is judged, making note of cultural distinctions. For the most part, professionalism boils down to showing respect for self and others – whether it is respect for the job that needs to be done, time that the employer is paying for, or services or products provided. J Williams Staffing identifies the basic principles of workplace professionalism as attitude, appearance, conversation, technology use, ethical behavior, and work/home balance.
As a business professional, appearance and attitude should not distract from the work produced. Excessively revealing clothing, dirty or unkempt skin, hair and fingernails, excessive body odors or fragrances will all undermine work of even the highest quality. Employee behavior and body language should reinforce the values that a well-maintained appearance displays. Managers interviewed for the research in Silverman’s blog post stated that the majority of young employees tend to have an air of entitlement and undeserved arrogance, behaviors that are acceptable when among friends, but not when associating with coworkers and superiors.
Though the use of various forms of technology are also acceptable in casual social settings, the study also discovered that texting coworkers was on the rise, rather than the more appropriate forms of communication, such as email or face-to-face interaction. When conducting face-to-face interaction, it is important to remember to maintain professional conversational habits. Do not gossip, keep discussion of personal problems to a minimum, do not reveal confidential information, and use polite language. When in person, keep electronic devices set to silent and do not text or use mobile phones during a conversation.
Though the use of various forms of technology are also acceptable in casual social settings, the study also discovered that texting coworkers was on the rise, rather than the more appropriate forms of communication, such as email or face-to-face interaction. When conducting face-to-face interaction, it is important to remember to maintain professional conversational habits. Do not gossip, keep discussion of personal problems to a minimum, do not reveal confidential information, and use polite language. When in person, keep electronic devices set to silent and do not text or use mobile phones during a conversation.
Keeping confidential information out of conversation is also a component of being an ethical employee. Be honest, admit mistakes, honoring commitments – all behaviors that display a strong sense of ethics and personal responsibility. When an employee displays all of these positive traits – ethical behavior, considerate and appropriate use of technology, appropriate attitude and dress – he or she demonstrates that they are no longer an amateur, but are a true workplace professional.
This post has been adapted from a paper written by the author for Athens State University and is on file with multiple plagiarism detection services.