Professionalism and Ethics: Keys to Success in the Workplace

HUMANIORA (5/7/2024) In today's competitive and dynamic workplace, a deep understanding of professionalism and work ethics is key to success. Professionalism encompasses not only technical skills and knowledge but also attitudes, behaviors, and values upheld in the work environment. Meanwhile, work ethics serve as a moral compass guiding individuals to act with integrity, honesty, and responsibility.

“By understanding and applying professionalism and work ethics, we not only enhance work quality and personal reputation but also contribute to creating a harmonious and productive work environment,” said Imam Wahyudi, Food & Beverage Manager at Ijen Suites Resort & Convention Malang, during the Field Work Practice (PKL) briefing held by the Faculty of Humanities on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

On this occasion, Imam Wahyudi explained the important aspects of professionalism, which include punctuality and attendance, communication, presentation and appearance, competence and initiative, as well as mutual respect. He emphasized that attendance and punctuality are crucial in supporting the growth of professionalism. "Being at the workplace on time at the start of work hours, using break time appropriately, and not leaving the workplace before work hours end are part of professional responsibility," he said.

Furthermore, Imam Wahyudi discussed various aspects of communication. Oral communication should be clear and concise, thinking before speaking, and more positive than negative talk. For written communication, he stressed the importance of being brief, accurate, and clear. "In online communication, use proper grammar, proofread and edit for spelling, and check before sending," he added. He also reminded the importance of non-verbal communication such as posture, gestures, tone of voice, timing, eye contact, facial expressions, and appearance.

Competence and initiative were also a primary focus of the material presented. Imam Wahyudi encouraged students to work efficiently and proficiently, master skills and knowledge, and become experts in their fields. "Do the work without being asked, develop an innovative mindset, and be a problem solver," said Imam.

The basis of good working relationships is mutual respect. Imam Wahyudi also emphasized the importance of responsibility, ethical behavior, good organization, openness to mistakes, confidence, integrity, expertise in the field, separating personal and work matters, controlling emotions, and focus. "Professionalism is demonstrated through responsible attitudes in work, adhering to commitments, and completing tasks on time according to deadlines," he explained.

Ethical behavior at work is also an important part of professionalism. Imam Wahyudi emphasized that honest attitudes and respect for colleagues or clients are part of ethical behavior. "Companies want employees who can behave ethically and make it part of the code of ethics that must be adhered to," he said.

Good organization, according to Imam Wahyudi, helps employees work more effectively and reduces errors. Being open to mistakes shows that employees have a high desire to learn. "Confidence is an attitude that must be demonstrated when interacting with others in the workplace," he added.

Imam Wahyudi also underscored the importance of integrity, which is demonstrated through words that match actions. "Integrity also means striving to complete the given work," he said. Separating personal and work matters and being able to control emotions are attitudes that a professional must have.

Lastly, focus on work increases productivity, thus improving work quality. Professional employees, according to Imam Wahyudi, understand their goals and tasks and strive to focus on completing them.

The PKL briefing event ran smoothly and received positive responses from the students. They felt they gained a lot of new insights that are very useful for preparing themselves to enter the professional work world. The Faculty of Humanities at UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang continues to commit to supporting student skill development through relevant and beneficial programs, preparing them to become competent professionals in the future. [al]