How to Maintain Your Integrity in the Workplace

Very few people can honestly say that they have landed their dream job. Many of us work for companies we do not particularly like and with people we cannot wait to get away from at the end of the day. People stay in their jobs mainly for the financial security, so that they can provide for themselves and their families. But in order to be more successful, how can employees develop and maintain their integrity in the workplace?

How to Maintain Your Integrity in the Workplace #1 Do not steal your employer's time

If your work hours are between 9:00am-5:00pm do not show up at 9:10am and then clock off early at 4:30pm, unless you have prior permission to do so due to a doctor's appointment or some other valid reason. Over one month, regularly missing 40 minutes a day amounts to over 13 hours that you have stolen from your employer. Employees who receive an hourly wage will need to fill in a time sheet that details the days and hours that they have worked. So if you have not worked the full 8 hours for that day, do not lie. Fill in the hours you have been present. Who knows, a generous boss may even allow you the extra money if you are honest enough to admit you did not work the hours you should have done but you agree to make it up later on.

How to Maintain Your Integrity in the Workplace #2 Never bad mouth your employer

Even after work hours, you should be careful of what you say about your employer. If you visit a public place, such as a restaurant, and then start talking badly about your employer, chances are, someone who knows your employer may hear you and repeat what you have said. Disloyal employees are not wanted and are often given their marking papers before long. So even if you do not personally like your employer, keep your thoughts to yourself. Unburden yourself to a close family member such as your spouse, but do not talk about problems you are having at work in a public place.

How to Maintain Your Integrity in the Workplace #3 Maintain confidentiality

It is not just the medical profession that insists upon client confidentiality. Many other fields, such as nursing homes and banks also expect their employees to keep work related issues confidential. Once you have signed a contract, you have agreed to abide by the company's policies and procedures that are related to confidentiality. Breaching these rules, except with prior permission and under very special circumstances, will result in dismissal.

How to Maintain Your Integrity in the Workplace #4 Be industrious

Have you ever noticed how lazy employees seem to have more to complain about than those who are industrious? The fact is, that even very boring professions can be easier to handle if employees are industrious and get their work completed. It will also make the day go by more quickly for them, rather than drag along.
How to Maintain Your Integrity in the Workplace #5 Do not take too many breaks

This point is linked to #1. If the company policy only allows one 15 minute break at 10:30am and then a 30 minute lunch break from 12:00pm-12:30pm, be careful to follow these rules. Do not exceed these times or take more breaks than it is necessary to take, or you risk incurring the displeasure of your colleagues as well as your employer.

Employees who maintain their integrity and who give their employer an honest day's work are more likely to gain their employer's respect and be assigned more responsibility in the company. They will be the ones who will be remembered when promotions come around and added bonuses will come with that. But most important of all, they will have a better conscience and feel more secure in their job if they are careful to maintain their integrity within the workplace.