Contrary to the widespread myth that everything’s coming up roses in inclusive workplace culture, employees are actually rather picky when it comes to welcoming new colleagues to the team.
As it were, not only do they expect newcomers to possess educational qualifications and technical skills, but they also value soft skills and flexibility.
This may sound obvious on paper, but in real life these requirements aren’t easy to come by. Both individuals and businesses need to invest a lot of time and mentorship to ensure new hires are progressing rapidly and sometimes even these efforts aren’t sufficient.
Thankfully, businesses typically know what to look for in new hires, so all that’s left is to polish educational programs and encourage mingling and team building.
Nevertheless, we’ll take a look at some essential qualities employees typically expect from new colleagues.
Superb Communication Skills
Effective communication is one of the main factors that determine team success. It’s not really a difficult leap, especially if remote- and hybrid teams are involved.
People generally fare better with colleagues who can articulate ideas clearly and listen actively. Merely these two traits guarantee that any dialogue will be meaningful.
Clear and concise speaking abilities, proficient writing skills for emails, reports, and documentation, as well as good non-verbal communication, are all elements of this quality.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage both own emotions and those of others. High emotional intelligence typically leads to more productive teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution.
Understanding how one’s own emotions impact work is not a quality everyone possesses. Namely, it portends effective management of emotions, particularly in stressful situations. Add to that the fact that there’s the need to recognize and respond to the emotions of others, and you’ll understand why people with high emotional intelligence are extremely valuable.
Strong Work Ethics
A strong work ethic is perhaps the most universally sought-after quality in employees. The term may appear a bit vague as “ethics” means different things to different personalities, but some expectations are generally welcome.
E.g., reliability and ‘commitment to excellence’ typically top the list. Employees who appear dependable and can consistently deliver high-quality work are obviously a welcome addition to any team, if they can demonstrate persistence in completing tasks efficiently, even better.
Finally, ability to meet deadlines come rain or shine is highly appreciated.
Adaptability
Of late, adaptability and flexibility appear in combo and are deemed necessary skills. This is due to the rapid evolution of new tech, which is changing businesses on the go. People who can keep up always add value to an organization.
However, there are other aspects involved. Traits of an integrator can up the game as an understanding of automations and integration can transform businesses in no time. The more employees have this unique skill set, the better the results will be.
Finally, resilience — the capacity to recover quickly from setbacks — is highly valued in new hires who are typically stressed out while learning the ropes.
Efficient Teamwork
Teamwork is crucial literally at all times, so when new hires work well within a group, things get easier.
Employees aside, top brass unilaterally look for new hires who can contribute to collective goals, while supporting their colleagues.
One of the chief factors of this quality is the ability to resolve disagreements constructively. People with a mild disposition are generally skilled in such situations, so they’re generally well-received within teams.
Problem-Solving Skills
Problem-solving skills are highly prized no matter the context. Employers cherish team members who can approach problems methodically and think critically to resolve issues.
For starters, people who can break down complex problems into manageable parts are certain to benefit the entire team. If they can come up with innovative solutions, they’re even more valuable.
Namely, problem-solving skills empower teams to overcome obstacles but also improve processes, which ultimately leads to more effective operations.
Positive Attitude
A positive attitude can be a significant asset in the workplace. Employers value team members who bring enthusiasm to the table, as it can be (and usually is) infectious.
However, the definition of ‘positive attitude’ may involve different aspects of one’s personality, depending on who’s defining it.
That’s why we’ll stick to the very basics: maintaining a hopeful outlook in challenging situations, showing genuine interest in work, and overcoming setbacks with a positive mindset.
Technical Proficiency
Lastly, we come to the obvious: technical proficiency. Even though soft skills can make a huge impact on team dynamics, technical proficiency still remains an essential requirement for every team member.
In addition to expertise in one’s field, this quality also includes the willingness to keep updated with the latest advancements in technology and the ability to apply technical skills in practical scenarios effectively rather than passively.
Overall, new hires who possess the right qualities can make a significant impact on their teams. Employers look for colleagues who exhibit strong work ethics, adaptability, effective communication, and other essential soft skills in addition to technical skills. Namely, these qualities contribute to both personal success and the overall performance feedback of the business.
