5 Traits of committed employees

Employment today looks a lot different than it used to. Employees, especially millennials and Gen Zers, no longer join a company and commit to it until retirement like many baby boomers did. While baby boomers stayed with their employers for an average of 20 years, the new generation of employees tends to stay at a company for about two years before hopping to their next gig. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , that’s an average of 11.7 jobs in their lifetime. To add to this, 27% of this new workforce changes jobs every year, earning the ultimate job hopper crown.

Recruiters, as you can imagine, face a lot of hiring challenges with “job hoppers.” They prefer to hire employees who will stay with the company for an extended amount of time. After all, it saves and makes the company money—it reduces the amount spent on hiring a backfill, harnesses institutional knowledge and preserves productivity. 

So, how do you hire a workforce that will help your business be profitable (and mitigate the expenses listed above)? The trick is finding candidates that have specific traits beyond the functional and process capabilities that the job description calls for. Here are the five core areas you should focus on to find the best, most committed employees.

1. Alignment to Company Mission

Millennials, but in reality, all employees, feel the need to work for an organization that is making a meaningful difference in the world. Not all organizations are non-profits—and that’s ok, even for Millennials. If you’re a for-profit business, the profit you make serves as an indication of the value you are contributing to society. Clearly communicate the value your business is delivering, and see how your candidate responds. If the candidate shows an interest and active participation in helping you and your team achieve that higher calling, you’re on the right track.

2. Attitude Toward Team Work

If the role you’re hiring for requires team collaboration, pay close attention to signs that will indicate how well your candidate will work with your team. It’s better to have a moderate performer who’s an outstanding team player than an outstanding solo performer who doesn’t work well on a team. Ask the candidate questions to see how they would respond in different team scenarios to see if they’re the right fit.

3. Growth Mindset

If the last year has taught us anything, it’s that we need to be adaptable—and that only comes from our willingness to learn and change. This applies to business processes, customer requirements and even our responsibilities. It's important for your organization to be agile and for every new employee to be flexible, quickly adaptable, and most importantly, an active learner. That may also mean that they need to be comfortable with failing—and failing fast. Introducing new products, services and approaches will not be easy, but if your candidate shows a willingness to do their best, learn along the way, share their ideas and remain open to the ideas of others, take note.

4. Problem-Solving Skills

A related yet different capability is that of problem solving. In fast-paced environments, especially when working directly with customers, it’s important that each member of your team is able to autonomously solve problems. In the hospitality industry, a large part of your offering is service, so you want team members who can deliver the best experience by coming up with effective solutions on the fly.

5. Strong Work Ethic

Last but not least, work ethic. The restaurant industry today—more than ever—needs reliable people. People who will show up for their shifts. People who are committed to making sure the customer experience is a top priority. Talk to your candidate to better understand how reliable they are and how they handle common situations they’ll face day-to-day.

Choosing quality hires is critical. It’s also challenging. And although this isn’t a comprehensive list of the qualities you should be looking for when finding the right candidate, these five traits are early indicators of a strong and committed hire.

Understanding Commitment in the Workplace

So we've discussed the vital traits that define committed employees: alignment with the company's mission, a positive attitude toward teamwork, a growth mindset, problem-solving skills, and a strong work ethic.

These traits are indeed the bedrock of an employee who will stand the test of time in your organization. However, it's essential to delve deeper into what commitment level in the workplace actually means and how you can identify and nurture it.

Below, we explore various aspects of job commitment, offering insights into how employees feel about their jobs and the benefits that come from a committed workforce.

How do you say you are committed to your job?

To express that you're committed to your job, you can go beyond stating it directly and demonstrate it through your actions. Show up on time, be proactive, and communicate openly with co-workers and supervisors. Human resources often appreciate when an employee takes the time to get involved in career development opportunities or even mentorship programs. Your level of commitment also shines through when you are willing to put in hard work and go the extra mile, displaying a positive attitude even in challenging situations. These are signs of work commitment that employers value highly.

What is an example of committed at work?

A good example of being committed at work could be an employee who voluntarily undertakes additional responsibilities to help a project meet its deadline. This shows a high level of commitment to the team's success and the work environment as a whole. This kind of affective commitment and feeling of responsibility can be contagious, improving overall employee engagement and retention rates.

How do you become committed to work?

Becoming committed to work is a multi-step process. It starts with aligning your personal values with your job title and the mission of the company. This fosters a sense of belonging and increases your job satisfaction. Building positive relationships with co-workers also adds to your level of commitment. Time management and balance between personal life and work are essential too. Engage in employee surveys and feedback sessions to understand how you can contribute more effectively. Lastly, ongoing career advancement and the acquisition of new skills can help sustain your commitment in the workplace over the long term.

What are the benefits of a committed employee?

Committed employees offer numerous advantages to an organization. Their hard work and positive attitude contribute significantly to job performance. They usually have better management skills and exhibit a strong feeling of responsibility toward their roles. A committed employee is also less prone to burnout, as their well-being is often higher due to a balanced work-life scenario. From the perspective of human resources, high levels of employee commitment are a boon. They positively impact retention rates and even pave the way for career development within the company. Moreover, these employees often become the face of the organization on social media, sharing their positive experiences and further enhancing the company's reputation.

In summary, a committed employee benefits not just themselves but the entire work environment, from human resources to co-workers. Their affective and normative commitment to the role enhances their job satisfaction, and by extension, their overall well-being. Through a combination of factors like career development opportunities, job satisfaction, and a sense of belonging, committed employees contribute significantly to the success of any organization.