FS - Work Ethics and Professional Appearance Lesson

Workplace Ethics and Character

Work Ethics

We all make decisions - every day. In addition, individuals in our workplace make decisions - many that impact us. Whether or not these decisions are ethical is an important question to ask.

Ethics is the study of the general nature of morals, or a society’s code of conduct.
Ethics refers to the specific moral choices we make in relationship to others.
Societies have helped to establish standards for the actions and behaviors of its members and we practice those through our personal lives.
Ethics are also relevant in the business world.
Ethical beliefs are not only held by individuals, but are also reflected in the values, practices, and policies through the choices made by decision makers on behalf of their organizations.
Employers want workers with a sense of professionalism – part of which is being ethical. Individuals as well as businesses and professionals should continually strive to act and respond ethically.

Professional Appearance

Whether in a professional or social context, a positive professional image is very important in obtaining success. Now we will take a look at a
number of elements in building and maintaining a professional image.
Professional appearance is not just physical appearance. There are a number of personal traits that go into making a professional image. These
would include how you dress, how you carry yourself, your body language, your communication – verbal and nonverbal, among a number of other
elements involved in how you present yourself. Whether you are applying for your first job, making an important presentation for your company,
seeking your first promotion on a job, or moving into a different career altogether, how you present yourself can make all the difference in your
success.
In presenting a professional image, you must first have confidence in yourself. Being confident reflects poise and assertiveness. You use tact and
persuasiveness in making a statement, not by imposing your opinion on others. Nonverbal communication also plays a significant role in
communicating for success. Body language can be a powerful tool, positively or negatively. You also communicate through the use of your voice
and environmental cues.

Take a look at the Types of Nonverbal Communication chart below for additional points on each.

Types of nonverbal communication: voice – pitch, range and inflection, volume, quality and tone, duration: rate and tempo, pause and silence, laughter, vocalizations. Body talk – dress and grooming, posture, muscular tone and tension, movement and gesture, facial communication, eye communication, your entry and exit, grammar. Environmental cues – space and distance, territory, touch, time, artifacts, jewelry, color, fragrance and odor, organization.

Watch the short depiction of work ethics in the Ethics in the Workplace video below.

Check what you know in the Foundational Skills quiz below.

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