15 Qualities of a Good Employee (and Why They Matter)

Struggling to find the right employees for your business? Maybe you’ve hired someone who wasn’t quite the right fit, or you’re not sure what skills your employees need to succeed on the job. 

Finding a good employee can be a challenge, and the cost of hiring an employee can be high. We created this post to help you figure out what qualities to look for and why they matter for your business. So when you hire, you hire right.   

We’ll go over 15 qualities that make a good employee and how those qualities contribute to the success of your business. Your interview questions can help you decipher if the employee has these types of qualities. 

1. Reliability 

You want employees who you can rely on to get the job done right. That’s why reliability is crucial for businesses. Reliability means that your employees are trustworthy and dependable, and you can count on them to complete their work on time and to a high standard.

Reliable employees can help increase productivity and efficiency by completing tasks on time. They can also improve customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality service and work consistently. 

Plus, reliable employees reduce stress on you by being dependable and requiring less micromanagement.

Why Reliability is a Good Quality

Here are some examples of reliability in employees:

• Consistently showing up to work on time and ready to work
• Completing tasks on or before the deadline
• Maintaining a high level of quality in their work
• Taking responsibility for their mistakes and working to correct them
• Following through on commitments and promises
• Communicating clearly and honestly about progress and potential obstacles
• Being accountable for their actions and decisions

These qualities can have a direct impact on the success and growth of your business. By fostering these qualities in your employees, you can set your business up for long-term success.

2. Good Communication Skills

Communication is key in any workplace, and good communication skills are essential for employees. A good communicator is able to convey information clearly and effectively, whether it’s through written or verbal means.

Employees who know how to communicate can improve teamwork, customer service and the overall culture of your business. 

Why Good Communication Skills Matter

Here are some examples of good team communication skills:

• Active listening
• Asking clarifying questions
• Providing constructive feedback
• Communicating clearly and concisely
• Nonverbal communication, like maintaining eye contact, using appropriate body language, and paying attention to tone of voice.

An employee with good communication skills can help prevent misunderstandings and create a positive working environment for you and your team. 

By communicating clearly and effectively, employees can also increase productivity, improve customer satisfaction, and contribute to the overall growth of your business.

3. Arriving to Work On Time 

Showing up to work on time isn’t just mandatory; it also demonstrates an employee’s seriousness and commitment to their job. Clocking in on time also shows respect for other people’s time, whether it’s in meetings or on the job site. 

Why Arriving to Aork on Time Matters

Wasted minutes waiting for late employees can quickly add up and cost your small business a lot of money.

By using Homebase’s employee time tracking app, you can ensure that your employees are clocking in and out on time, which can help you manage work hours, timesheets, and improve your payroll process with QuickBooks Online and Gusto integration.

4. Being Detail-Oriented

You need employees who pay attention to detail. When employees are detail-oriented, they can catch mistakes and ensure that work is of the highest quality. 

This is important for customer satisfaction and loyalty, which are essential for the success of any business. 

Why Being Detail-Oriented is a Good Quality

Here are some examples of detail-oriented behavior. 

• Following established procedures and protocols precisely
• Organizing and maintaining accurate records and documentation
• Anticipating potential problems and taking steps to prevent them
• Noticing small details that others might miss
• Continuously seeking ways to improve processes and increase efficiency
• Paying attention to the needs and preferences of customers and clients
• Taking the time to thoroughly review contracts and agreements before signing them
• Carefully proofreading written work, such as emails, reports, and proposals, to ensure that there are no errors.

Attention to detail can also help employees stand out in their role and can open up more opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

5. Willingness to Learn 

Employees who are willing to learn new things allow them to stay competitive and adapt to changes in your industry. Employees who are open to learning can bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table, which can ultimately help your business stay nimble and grow. 

Why Willingness is a Good Quality

Here are some examples of willingness to learn:

• Taking initiative to learn new skills or software
• Asking questions to better understand a task or project
• Seeking out feedback to improve performance
• Attending training sessions or industry conferences
• Embracing new technologies or work processes
• Adapting to changes in the workplace, such as new management or policies

By seeking out employees who are willing to learn, you’re ensuring your workforce is adaptable and able to take on new challenges as they arise. 

This quality can also create a culture where employees are continuously improving and working towards a common goal.

6. Being a Team Player

When employees work together, they can accomplish more and achieve better results. 

A team player is typically someone who’s able to communicate well, listen actively, and be open to feedback from others. These qualities are crucial for building trust and fostering good relationships with colleagues. 

When employees feel comfortable working together and trust each other, they’re more likely to work together effectively, creating a more efficient team for you. 

Why Being a Team Player Matters

Here are some examples of an employee being a team player:

• Willingness to help colleagues with their work
• Collaborating on projects with others
• Communicating effectively and actively listening to others
• Being open to feedback and suggestions from colleagues
• Showing empathy and understanding towards colleagues’ concerns or challenges
• Participating in team-building activities or events
• Celebrating colleagues’ achievements and wins
• Demonstrating a willingness to put the team’s goals above personal interests.

Employees who feel valued and supported by their colleagues are more likely to be engaged and motivated, which can ultimately lead to a more successful and thriving business.

7. Honesty

When employees are open and honest, they’re more likely to take responsibility for their actions, admit to their mistakes, and communicate openly with colleagues. Honesty creates a more supportive and transparent work environment, where employees feel valued and respected by one another.

Honest employees are also more likely to be reliable and dependable, which is crucial when you want your business to grow and succeed.

Why Honesty is a Good Quality

Here are some examples of an employee being honest in the workplace: 

• Admitting to a mistake and taking responsibility for it
• Communicating openly and truthfully with colleagues and managers
• Reporting unethical behavior or violations of company policies
• Providing accurate information and not exaggerating achievements or results
• Being transparent about limitations or challenges that may affect their work
• Seeking guidance or support when needed instead of pretending to know something they don’t
• Refraining from gossip or spreading false information about colleagues or the business.

When employees are honest, they’re more likely to follow through on commitments, provide accurate information, and be transparent about limitations or challenges that may affect their work. 

This can lead to better collaboration and improved productivity. 

8. A Strong Work Ethic 

Having a strong work ethic means that an employee is consistently motivated to do their best and take pride in their work. It means they’re reliable and dependable, showing up on time and completing tasks efficiently. 

Employees with a solid work ethic are typically self-motivated and willing to learn. They’re also committed to the goals and vision of the business, which improves work culture and team morale. 

This, in turn, helps you attract and retain top talent.

Why a Strong Work Ethic Matters

Here are some examples of an employee having a strong work ethic:

• Showing up on time and ready to work
• Completing tasks efficiently and effectively, even when they’re hard
• Being self-motivated and taking initiative
• Being willing to learn and develop new skills
• Going above and beyond to ensure that the job is done well
• Being dependable and reliable, even under pressure
• Being committed to the goals and vision of the business
• Being accountable for their work and taking responsibility for their mistakes

Hiring employees who know how to work hard creates an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. 

Plus, when your team is full of hard workers, it sets a high standard for everyone and inspires them to work harder and achieve more.

9. Being Results-Oriented

Results-oriented employees are focused on achieving goals and getting things done. These employees are motivated to work hard and are willing to put in the effort required to get the job done. 

Results-oriented employees are driven to succeed and are not afraid to take on challenges and obstacles. They’re committed to achieving their goals and will work tirelessly to get there. 

This means they’re focused on delivering outcomes that benefit your business and are able to work well under pressure.

Why Being Results-Oriented Matters

Here are some examples of an employee being results-oriented:

• Setting measurable goals and targets to achieve
• Prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively to achieve objectives
• Continuously seeking feedback to improve performance and achieve better results
• Taking initiative to identify problems and offer solutions to improve processes
• Being proactive in suggesting new ideas to improve performance
• Going above and beyond their job duties to achieve results and exceed expectations.

By hiring employees who are driven to achieve results, you can rest assured  that you’re hiring people who will help your business succeed.

10. Problem-Solving Skills

Employees who are good problem solvers can analyze situations, identify issues, and come up with creative solutions. They can work independently to troubleshoot problems, and can also collaborate with colleagues to find the best solutions. 

This quality helps your business stay competitive and adapt to changes in your field.

Why Problem-solving Skills Matter

Here are some examples of problem-solving skills:

• Identifying and addressing problems that get in the way of completing tasks
• Analyzing situations to find creative solutions
• Taking a logical and methodical approach to problem-solving
• Brainstorming and evaluating multiple solutions
• Anticipating potential problems and taking proactive steps to prevent them
• Working collaboratively with others to solve complex problems
• Demonstrating adaptability and flexibility when facing unexpected challenges
• Making data-driven decisions and using research to inform solutions
• Remaining calm and level-headed when under pressure or facing a difficult situation
• Effectively communicating solutions to team members or clients.

When an employee is able to solve problems effectively, it can save you time and money, and can even help prevent bigger problems from coming up in the future. This is especially important if your business doesn’t have the resources to hire specialized personnel to handle specific problems. 

Having your HR and compliance team look for employees who are good problem solvers can also help your company innovate and grow. They can think outside of the box and come up with creative solutions to challenges. 

11. Flexibility

Employees who are flexible can adapt to changing circumstances and take on new responsibilities when needed. They’re open to new ideas and are willing to adjust their work style to meet the needs of the business. 

This quality is especially important for businesses that operate in fast-paced environments where things can change quickly. 

Why Flexibility Matters

Adapting quickly to changing priorities or deadlines

• Being open to feedback and making adjustments to their work approach
• Willingness to cover different shifts or adjust their schedule as needed
• Being open to learning new skills or taking on different roles within the organization
• Embracing new technologies or work processes without resistance
• Being able to switch between different projects or tasks seamlessly
• Taking on additional workload during peak periods or when a team member is absent
• Adjusting their work style to collaborate effectively with different colleagues or teams
• Being open to constructive criticism and making necessary improvements.
• Willingness to take on new tasks or responsibilities outside of their regular job scope

In a dynamic and fast-paced business environment, having employees who can adapt and be flexible is a tremendous asset. This quality can help you navigate challenges, seize new opportunities, and keep your business agile and competitive in the market.

12. Time Management Skills

Employees who can manage their time effectively can prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously. They can stay organized and focused, which can help increase productivity and reduce stress for themselves and their managers. 

This quality is essential for your businesses if you need to manage resources efficiently and meet tight deadlines.

Why Time Management Skills Matter

Here are some examples of an employee having time management skills:

• Prioritizing tasks effectively
• Creating and following a schedule or to-do list
• Setting realistic deadlines and meeting them
• Breaking down large projects into manageable tasks
• Avoiding procrastination and staying focused on tasks
• Being able to delegate tasks when appropriate
• Using productivity tools or techniques to manage time efficiently
• Being punctual and respecting deadlines
• Managing interruptions and distractions effectively
• Balancing multiple projects or responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed.

Good time management ensures tasks are prioritized, deadlines are met, and multiple projects can be handled effectively. It also helps you make the most of your resources. 

It sets a positive example for other team members and fosters a culture of productivity and accountability. 

13. Positive Attitude

Employees who have a positive attitude foster better relationships with you, their coworkers and your customers. They can inspire and motivate their colleagues, even in challenging situations. 

They can also improve customer satisfaction by providing friendly and helpful service. This quality creates a culture of collaboration, support, and growth.

Why a Positive Attitude Matters

Here are some examples of an employee having a positive attitude:

• Approaching tasks and challenges with enthusiasm
• Maintaining a cheerful and optimistic demeanor
• Showing resilience and staying positive during difficult times
• Being a team player and supporting colleagues
• Offering help and support without hesitation
• Embracing change and adapting to new situations with a positive mindset
• Taking constructive feedback in stride and using it as an opportunity for growth
• Displaying a can-do attitude and a willingness to go the extra mile
• Encouraging and motivating team members
• Displaying gratitude and expressing appreciation for the work of others.

When employees maintain a positive attitude, it boosts morale, motivates your team, and brings up their overall productivity and team happiness. A positive work environment also leads to better collaboration, improved customer service, and increased employee satisfaction.

14. Creativity

Employees who are creative can think outside the box, generate new ideas, and find innovative solutions to problems. They can also help businesses stand out in a crowded marketplace by creating unique products or services. 

This quality is important for businesses that want to stay ahead of the competition and continuously improve their offerings.

Why Creativity Matters

Here are some examples of an employee having creativity:

• Generating innovative ideas and solutions
• Thinking outside the box to solve problems
• Bringing new perspectives and fresh insights to projects
• Applying creative thinking to improve processes or workflows
• Designing visually appealing and engaging content
• Developing unique marketing strategies or campaigns
• Creating original artwork or designs
• Developing new products or services
• Finding alternative approaches to challenges
• Taking risks and exploring new possibilities.

Having creative employees is like having a secret weapon. They bring fresh ideas, unique solutions, and innovative thinking to the table. They can help your business stand out, adapt to changes, and stay ahead of the competition. 

Creativity sparks growth and fuels innovation, making it an essential quality.

15. Emotional Intelligence

Employees who have emotional intelligence can understand and manage their own emotions, as well as those of their colleagues and customers. They can communicate effectively, build strong relationships, and resolve conflicts in a positive and constructive way. 

This quality is important for businesses that want to create a supportive and collaborative work environment and build strong relationships with customers and clients.

Why Emotional Intelligence is a Good Quality in an Employee

Here are some examples of an employee having emotional intelligence:

• Recognizing and understanding their own emotions
• Showing empathy and understanding towards colleagues or customers
• Managing stress and emotions in a healthy and constructive way
• Building positive and effective relationships with colleagues
• Listening actively and responding empathetically to others
• Resolving conflicts in a calm and respectful manner
• Adapting communication style to suit different individuals and situations
• Recognizing and respecting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace
• Offering support and encouragement to team members

Emotional intelligence is all about understanding and connecting with others on a deeper level. When employees have emotional intelligence, they can navigate tough situations, communicate effectively, and build strong relationships.

Emotional intelligence leads to better collaboration, happier customers, and a thriving business. It’s an essential quality that can set your business apart.

Simple Ways to Identify & Reward Good Qualities in Employees

Assessing Through Regular One-on-One Meetings

Having face-to-face conversations during regular one-on-one meetings is an effective way to gauge the performance and attitudes of your employees. These meetings offer a confidential setting where employees can speak openly about their achievements and concerns. Your role as an employer is to listen actively, ask probing questions, and provide constructive feedback. Over time, you will be able to identify key strengths and areas of improvement for each team member. Additionally, the personal connection you establish can make it easier to ascertain the specific qualities that deserve recognition and reward.

Using Performance Metrics

Quantifiable performance metrics can offer insights into the skills and competencies of your employees. Metrics such as project completion rates, customer satisfaction scores, and revenue generation can shed light on the capabilities of each team member. A dashboard that captures this data enables you to identify high-performing individuals objectively. It also allows you to reward them based on merit rather than subjective judgments. However, be cautious not to rely solely on numbers, as they can sometimes overlook intangible qualities like teamwork and leadership skills.

Peer Reviews

Another effective strategy is to implement a peer review system. This process enables employees to evaluate each other based on set criteria. Peer reviews often reveal insights into interpersonal skills, collaboration, and contributions to team objectives that you may not observe directly. Since employees interact with each other regularly, they can offer valuable feedback on qualities that are less visible to management. Once gathered, this information can be a basis for rewarding employees who exhibit qualities like dependability, creativity, and effective communication.

Tailored Rewards Programs

Creating a customized rewards program can motivate employees and show that you value their unique contributions. For instance, offer incentives that align with individual preferences such as extra paid time off, professional development courses, or the option for remote work. This approach acknowledges the distinct good qualities of each team member and encourages a diverse range of skills and talents within your organization.

Fostering an Open-Feedback Culture

Encourage open communication within your company by building a feedback-rich culture. Creating safe channels for employees to share thoughts and suggestions promotes transparency and continuous improvement. Open feedback helps you gain a well-rounded understanding of your team’s qualities and equips you to recognize and reward them appropriately.

Celebrating Milestones and Achievements

Taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate key milestones and achievements can boost morale and encourage future successes. These moments offer an excellent opportunity to highlight individual contributions and qualities that have led to the accomplishment. Recognizing these instances can be as simple as mentioning them during team meetings or as elaborate as hosting a small event to honor the employee. The primary aim is to make the recognition timely, relevant, and specific to each employee’s contribution.

Employee Surveys

Conducting anonymous employee surveys allows you to collect honest opinions about work culture, leadership, and team dynamics. These surveys can help you identify areas where your employees excel and those that may require improvement. Moreover, employee input can guide you in refining your rewards and recognition program to better align with what your team values most.

Transparency in Recognition

Make the criteria for rewards and recognition transparent. Employees should understand what qualities and achievements are highly valued and how they can aspire to be recognized. This level of clarity eliminates ambiguity and fosters a culture of fair recognition for everyone. Transparent procedures contribute to a more balanced approach in identifying and rewarding good qualities.