The Importance of Professionalism

Professionalism seems to be lacking by employees in all levels of organizations. Whether working in a financial industry such as banking or within a third party logistics company, standards of professionalism vary, but all should have a certain level. According to the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of Professional is “exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the work place.”

Unfortunately, professionalism seems to have gone the way of the horse and carriage. Whether working in a warehouse facility picking and packing or middle and upper management, professionalism should be expected from each individual within your organization. Professionalism is simply the use of manners when dealing with co-workers, customers, and vendors. Actions such as not interrupting or correcting colleagues, rummaging or taking items from an associate’s work area, knocking before entering an office, minding your “P’s and Q’s”, or maintaining an excellent sense of integrity.

Employees come from a variety of familial and cultural backgrounds, so may be unaware of the standards of professionalism within your company. It is up to management within the company to expect and enforce a certain standard of behavior in courtesy and should be expected and enforced. It is possible to learn or change certain behavior, so if you have issues within your organization consider creating a workshop to assist employees with this concept. Your human resources department may be a good area with which to begin.