Behavior vs. Job Training

Booming economy. Low unemployment rates. Robust job market. Era of economic growth. Employers screaming we need workers. Applicants screaming we want jobs.

Given that’s the case, why is unemployment on the rise in the inner cities. Is it due to the lack of jobs? Not so, based on strong economic growth. Maybe it’s the lack of job training? There are One-Stop Career Centers and private organizations that spend millions to provide job training and placement services, so that’s not the culprit. Then what’s causing the rise of unemployment in our inner cities?

The Answer
The prime factor contributing to unemployment is the lack of appropriate workplace behavior. As city governments tweak their job training and placement systems, the focus should be on preparing workers for jobs by improving education and teaching appropriate workplace behavior. What limits the unemployed even after receiving job training is their lack of proper workplace behavior, which includes, but is not limited to, dress, speech, and punctuality.

We all know that without these skills upward mobility in the workplace is simply unattainable. Unless city governments address the issue of workplace behavior, they will continue to see a perpetual growth in the working poor and hard-core unemployed.

Employers are likely to go the extra mile with an employee who displays a strong work ethic, civility, positive attitude, punctuality, and willingness to learn. Tolerance for ignorance won’t last very long.

Ultimately, behavior determines success in the workplace.

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Shawn E. Gilleylen is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer, and author. She is the founder of Administrative Support Associates, a firm specializing in business etiquette training and workplace communication. Shawn helps businesses ensure best practices become standard procedures which result in enhanced customer experience, efficient operations, and higher profitability. Shawn keynotes at conferences, conducts etiquette trainings/workshops, and one-on-one coaching.