Why Loyalty Matters in the Workplace

The most valuable characteristic to an employer is one that is hardly talked about, and yet may be the most underrated aspect for many potential job-seekers. That characteristic is loyalty.
Loyalty as a virtue for employment is lacking mention in many reputable references. There are many commonalities between qualification lists such as communication skills, a strong work ethic, computer literacy, that are all perfectly valid, but ultimately, a keen employee is striving for longevity – not just a day job. While loyalty is often not mentioned as a characteristic sought, it is often mentioned as a top reason for being fired. So it’s important for us to note its influence.
In a generation of “millennials”, reared by helicopter parenting and often high expectations, prospective employees can often forget that employment is an exchange of time and labor for financial compensation. An employee is there to perform the duties assigned to them by their employer, which in turn, will enable the employer to then create value for their company. Your interviewer could be the head of HR at a large company, the boss of the company itself, or a low level supervisor. Regardless, this person is already debating whether you are more qualified than them, will you be gunning for their job? Are you dependable? Do you require a lot of management? These are all symptoms of the loyalty question. “Will they perform as they have been hired for?” It’s not just about getting the job – it’s about keeping it.
Desirable perks such as rapid advancement, flexible work hours, appropriate salaries (of course) are all outcomes of a successful company (and quite often, the outcome of having helped make one successful), but very few companies are lucky enough to have the resources to have built the structure for all of these from the very beginning. An employee that does not follow directives, questions their boss at every turn, wastes time and resources, may not just get them fired but also may contribute to the company not fulfilling its potential.
This article merely discusses a single, important characteristic. However, the difference between characteristics and assets that make a desirable employee are entirely seperate and are best saved for discussing with your prospective employer. In the meantime, remember to check your personal views at the door, and accept your appropriate position within the company. Not all of us may be managers, but without each team member fulfilling their duties, they can’t even exist.
– F.H.