How to be the "Perfect Employee"
What do HR professionals look for in a 'Perfect Employee'?
A business is put in place to achieve certain goals, typically outlined in a mission statement. Under the umbrella of “the business” is the network of people who work together to accomplish those goals. At the end of the day, HR strives to recruit, train, and retain the best employees they can.
Recruitment is a very expensive process, so it's important for HR to recruit the best employees possible – and no matter what your job may be, there are several attributes that can be applied to make the “perfect employee”.
What an HR manager needs is an employee who can do their job well today, as well as adapt to changes in the workplace. The business landscape changes rapidly now, and more than ever it's important that employees can pick up new skills. Computer skills are in demand with almost every job – and keeping your skills current sets you apart.
The perfect employee spends their time at work diligently doing the work they are paid to do. Keeping conversation lively in the break room is probably not what you were hired to do. That isn't to say that you should ignore your co-workers in pursuit of making an awesome Powerpoint. Rather, be polite and personable, but understand you have things to accomplish that aren't talking about last night's American Idol.
Respect your fellow co-workers and don't be nasty to them. Communicate, communicate, and communicate some more. Learn how to give and receive feedback that is honest and fair. Good communication involves both talking and listening. It's important to follow up, and make sure that everyone is on the same page.
Now, contrary to popular belief, HR doesn't need a yes-man who blindly follows orders. Most bosses are open to suggestions for cost-saving measures, efficiency improvements and creativity, provided these suggestions are presented in a constructive way. An employee who whines and complains about problems will be look down on, whereas the employee who develops a well constructed idea about how to tackle a given problem will be appreciated much more.
Honesty is another attribute that is absolutely necessary for being a good employee. If you've been handed a project that you can't understand or need help on, most bosses would rather you ask than languish at your desk for hours on end. The goal of the business is to succeed, and you will not help accomplish that by sweeping tasks under the rug. If someone offers to help you and you need the help, there is no grace in feeling threatened. Never blame others for your problems – responsibility is key.
Your behavior outside of work has an impact on how you are viewed as an employee. One big area that is a headache for HR is legal trouble. If you have run-ins with the law, it's possible those will interfere with your ability to get and hold onto a job. Accusations of sexual harassment put the company at risk to be sued and defamed. Posting pictures of yourself drunk on Facebook should be a big “No.” Think ahead, and use common sense.
