Tips on Developing a Strong Work Ethic

Dr. Ryan Giffen

No matter what line of work you are in, it can be frustrating to reach early burnout and feel as though your work ethic simply does not cut the mustard. What is work ethic? Work ethic is the ability to work hard at the task at hand, stay on task, and bypass burnout. In the case of having a strong work ethic, intention is everything if you apply yourself correctly. If you feel as though your work ethic could use improvement or that you need to get ahead of your apathy, below is a list of tips that can help you last through the workdays and stick to your business. Let’s dig in:

If you feel yourself losing steam, the first thing that you should do to improve and keep on top of your work ethic is to be sure that you are taking care of your body. Selfcare is the core of a good work ethic. Be sure that you get enough rest, drink plenty of water, maintain a healthy diet, and keep on top of your hygiene. If you take care of yourself, you will have more room to work more vigorously.

Increase work ethic: Cut Distractions

Distractions can be lurking in unnoticed places. If you feel as though work is just out of reach, then you are probably being distracted in at least one area of your life. Things like family should always take priority, but if the late nights or the new binge-worthy TV show are catching up with you or keeping you from work, it is probably time to set some boundaries.

Go Ahead and Compare Your Work ethic

Usually, comparing yourself to others is not a good idea. If, however, you are watching a coworker or coworkers work circles around you, you might learn something from them. Keep an eye out for routines or patterns that seem to be working for them and see if maybe you could apply some of their tricks to your work patterns.

Set Your Own Standards

Sometimes, though, it takes some initiative. If you feel as though you are not being as productive as you could be or like you are losing steam, you should set your own goals and expectations for what you want to accomplish. At the end of the day, nobody can hold you to your standards as you can.

Be Flexible and Dependable

Another thing that can keep you from maintaining a good work ethic is rigidity. Be sure to be flexible and dependable. This is especially true in management. There is almost never a situation in which a manager is able to keep a set and rigid schedule without having to perform extra tasks or work extra hours. You should also take care to always maintain dependability. Being there when the business needs you will be critical.

Be on Time

Similar to the subject of dependability, you should always be punctual. Keeping on schedule, no matter how chaotic it might be. This will help to pattern your brain and give you a way to compartmentalize your work life and keep on top of it all.

Do Not Get Discouraged

Discouragement can be a work ethic killer. It is easy to let discouraging situations grow into apathy. Keep your head up and do not let the small stuff get you down. With a little practice, you can begin to utilize positive things to counterbalance your negativity and boost your productivity.

About Dr. Ryan Giffen

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Ryan Giffen is an expert in human relations and business culture. His career began in hospitality, leading operations and human resource departments for Fortune 500 companies and the like. Not long after, Ryan found his passion for teaching and consulting. He earned a Ph.D. in Hospitality Management with a Human Resources focus from Iowa State University and now works as an assistant professor at California State University, Long Beach. For over a decade, he continues to research and speak on organizational culture, relationship intelligence, and leadership effectiveness. Ryan is also the founder of Inospire, a company helping bosses and employees build stronger relationships with one another.  Lastly, Dr. Giffen is producer and host of the Corporate Shadow Podcast. a show helping everyday employees overcome workplace nonsense.