It's fashionable for employers to lament that our work force just doesn't have the same work ethic of those employees who came before them.

Let's get clear on the meaning of work ethic. Let's not confuse the value of hard work with business ethics and moral issues of right and wrong.

This is about the belief that through hard work good things will come and hard work generates very satisfying feelings of accomplishment. Employers have long argued that technical competence is not enough, that work ethic is the most sought after component of a job seekers offering.

Pierre Battah is a radio columnist for CBC. (Supplied photo)

Research has once again proven that those who display a strong work ethic become employed and stay employed. Of course your boss doesn't really care about your belief in hard work as much how you demonstrate it.

Showing care and attention, going above and beyond, valuing time and attendance as opposed to sliding through and doing the minimum are usually where employees differentiate themselves.

Some will argue that work ethic has a geographic or cultural element. That some of the world's struggling economies in the eurozone can trace their challenges back to a population doesn't place a high enough value on the benefits of hard work.

That in some cultures or regions work is seen as a burden and should be avoided as opposed to an honourable activity and an opportunity.

Work ethic varies from region to region at least in the minds of employers who have work sites in different locales. They will argue that their time and attendance and productivity numbers are different from one area to another. And that they are different enough to justify their decisions on where to expand in order to tap into a work force defined by a strong work ethic.

Difference maker

Employers, parents and teachers can do a lot to instill a strong work ethic. The value of unpaid chores doled out by parents with the only reward being the satisfaction that comes with pitching in is seen by many experts as fundamental. An employer I know who hires and trains many young workers completely turned his fortunes around when he realized his job was to teach work ethic and desirable work habits.

Employers will benefit greatly by creating a culture where hard work trumps self-promotion and knowing the right people when seeking praise, promotions and salary raises. Many will remind us all that the best way to teach a strong work ethic as educators, parents and bosses is to show the way through our own work habits.

By modelling a respect for the employer's time, by looking to be of assistance whenever possible, by looking to be recognized as some who does the little extras, we cement our reputation for a work ethic employers would go the extra mile for.