The dictionary definition of work ethic is defined as a set of values ​​based on the moral virtues of hard work and diligence. But what has happened to the hard work and diligence? Employees seem to be working less and playing more. Most of the time is spent instant messaging friends, surfing the net, viewing dating sites, and chatting on the phone; pausing only to take breaks, eat lunch, visit colleagues, and do a minimal amount of work; enough to get by.

Eventually, their procrastination, apathy, and lack of productivity will catch up with them and they will most likely be fired, but in the meantime, they have little regard for the company, their job, or their co-workers.

Why are there so many people in today’s society who don’t want to work and, more importantly, why do we allow it? “More obscene than anything is inertia,” said Henry Miller, the famous American novelist.

A person who possesses a strong work ethic is hardworking, conscientious, and ambitious; however, it appears that we are supporting a fairly large population of clock-watching slackers who were apparently not taught the meaning of a work ethic. It’s not about the rivalry between Baby Boomers and Generation-Xers or who’s a better employee, men vs. women; A laid back attitude towards work is evident in all walks of life, from those who think work is below them, to those who seem to be suffering from sheer laziness or the ?Peter Pan Complex?; a person who refuses to grow, avoids responsibility, has no direction or drive, and has no need to accomplish anything; he expects to succeed without any effort or commitment, he has an all about me attitude and a strong sense of entitlement. These achievers have little regard for their future, the future of the company they work for, or the future of this country.

Historically, work was recognized as a necessity for monetary and material gain; as a means of sustenance for oneself and one’s family; and seen as a way to grow a strong economy. Those entering the workforce today must understand that hard work reaps financial rewards, builds strong character, maturity, and will give life purpose and value.

Employees with inconsistent job performance take advantage of their co-workers who are working at their best and are a huge financial liability to your company. Some of the excuses we hear for employees who are late or not at all, however creative, border on the absurd. Issues such as tardiness and absenteeism are of little importance to them.

Is it too much to ask our employees to show up on time and get a day’s work done; behave respectfully, motivated and committed to a positive work ethic; possess the skills and knowledge to do their job and display a reasonable amount of decorum?

The work ethic has sunk to an all-time low, and while there are many underlying factors that have contributed and continue to contribute to the decline of the work ethic, the point is that unless you are rich, plan to inherit wealth, get big wins in Las Vegas or winning the lottery, work consumes a large part of our lives and having a cavalier attitude towards it is a waste of time.