Tip Sheets

13 Ways to Be a Valued Employee

We all know why employers want employees they can keep. If an employer finds a loyal, hardworking employee, the work gets done well and often faster—and that means continued business.

Below are 13 qualities employers told us they look for in their employees. How many of these qualities do you have?

Valued employees:

		have good attendance records. They show up for every shift they are scheduled for.
		are on time, whether it's showing up for work, returning from breaks, going to staff meetings or completing tasks.
		call if they know they will be late or if they are unable to make it in to work—but they don’t abuse this privilege.
		dress appropriately for the type of work they are hired to do.
		have a positive attitude and show enthusiasm about their job.
		are prepared. They come to work willing to do the job, pay attention and follow directions.
		work safely and are healthy. They come to work substance-free. This includes not using alcohol or drugs and making sure that over-the-counter medication doesn’t interfere with their ability to do their job.
		ask if they don’t understand something.
		are open to learning new personal and technical skills. This also includes taking responsibility for mistakes.
		are team players. They work well with others to achieve a common goal.
		take initiative. If they see something needs to be done, they do it without waiting for someone to ask them to do it.
		are honest and trustworthy.
		are knowledgeable about the company.

You may think these qualities only matter to your employer, but they matter to you too. Employees who have these qualities are often more confident in their ability to do their job well and have increased job security. They’re also more likely to be given increased job responsibility or a promotion.

Other Relevant Tips Are You Job Smart? How to Succeed at Work For more, visit the TIPS home page at alis.alberta.ca/tips

Additional Reading Job Smart: Tips for staying employed and Positive Works II produced by Alberta Employment and Immigration. For copies of these publications:

		download an online copy or order the publication from the Publications website at alis.alberta.ca/careershop
		call the Alberta Career Information Hotline at 1-800-661-3753 toll-free or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton
		visit your local Alberta Employment and Immigration service centre. To find the centre nearest you, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline.

Last Updated: June 16, 2006