13 Popular Types of Work Quality Examples

Updated July 9, 2022

Employers regularly evaluate employees to discover if they're getting the expected value from the employees and if not, they note possible areas of improvement. The various metrics for such evaluation include work quality, consistent improvement, generation of revenue, delivery within time and budget, level of execution, and creativity. Understanding work quality examples can help you understand how to improve your performance at work. In this article, we discuss the definition of work quality, its examples, and the types of work quality alongside their examples.

What are work quality examples?

Work quality refers to the grade of service each team member or department delivers. For instance, a high score in all types of work quality indicates that the team member is diligent and performs their duties effectively. Examples are the types of work quality that help a business measure the performance of its team members and departments. When managers compile performance reports and reviews about employees, they typically comment on each of these types of work quality.

Types of work quality

Here's an overview of 13 types of work quality alongside their examples:

Initiative

Showing initiative means that you can analyze events or tasks independently. It also means you possess the foresight to perform necessary tasks without direct supervision or guidance from a manager. This work quality is a valuable soft skill in any business because it means employees can make informed decisions in sensitive situations without guidance from supervisors.

Example: Caleb displays initiative by completing tasks correctly without asking for a manager's input. Caleb even begins new duties without getting prompts and reminders. Due to this independent nature, Caleb's manager reports that they excel in this type of work quality.

Time management

This work quality type describes an employee who can prioritize tasks and organize them accordingly. It can also involve handling multiple tasks and completing them on time or before their deadlines. This work quality is essential because effective time management equals completing projects within the set targets.

Example: Allison deals with multiple departments daily and prioritizes tasks based on their importance. Due to her time management skills, she is able to complete all her tasks within the set deadlines. According to her employer, she is exceptional in this work quality.

Adaptability

Being adaptable means you can adjust to new situations quickly and calmly. It also indicates that you can effectively adjust to new roles or responsibilities and learn the necessary skills quickly. Adaptability in employees is essential to a business because of the fluid nature of the market, customer demands, and changing technologies.

Example: Joseph's team recently got new software to work with. After learning the software's features, he was quickly able to use it in his role. His employer is happy with his adaptability and says Joseph surpasses expectations in this work quality.

Problem solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify problems at work and proffer efficient solutions to them. A problem solver has a solution mindset, meaning that they focus on overcoming and resolving challenges. They analyze issues thoroughly until they can develop effective solutions. Problem solving as a team member is essential for a company because employees can brainstorm through difficult situations while maintaining productivity and work quality.

Example: Steph recognizes problems as they emerge and creates solutions before they become significant issues. Her employer appreciates this skill and its usefulness to business operations. Her employer regularly compliments her on this work quality.

Job knowledge

Job knowledge refers to your level of familiarity with a role and the tools needed to perform it well. Excellent job knowledge means you're comfortable using the job's equipment, familiar with relevant industry procedures, and possess the necessary technical skills. When employees understand their duties, they are more likely to perform efficiently and attain company goals.

Example: Alice understands her role as a data analyst well. She uses Excel, SQL, Python, and PowerBI for data collection, cleaning, manipulation, and visualization. Her employer ranks her high in this work quality type because of her understanding.

Judgment

Judgment is the skill to analyze events and respond appropriately based on the information you have. A good judge calculates the consequences of their actions and takes the course that can yield optimal results. Having good judgment allows you to use resources effectively, establish favourable partnerships, and recruit the appropriate talent for an organization.

Example: Richard uses his excellent judgment to assuage customer fears and meet their expectations. His judgment keeps earning him pay raises and promotions because of the recurring revenue stream he brings into the company. His employer says he exceeds expectations in this work quality.

Attitude

Your attitude shows your level of enthusiasm and involvement in your work. For instance, a great attitude can be your positive approach to your work, which improves overall efficiency. It also makes you more teachable and helps you handle criticism and advice in a positive manner. Employees with a great attitude are beneficial to a company because they create a positive work environment and maintain valuable relationships.

Example: Vanessa is a cheerful presence at work and has a positive influence on her team members. She maintains a positive outlook even when faced with challenges. Her supervisor compliments her for being exceptional in this work quality.

Attendance

Attendance relates to a team member's presence at work. Presence at work can show you comply with company rules and are committed to the job. Excellent attendance at work allows employees to respond to tasks promptly, allowing the employer to gain optimal value for its salary expenses.

Example: Jeremy approaches his job with the utmost seriousness and has consistently good attendance. He was absent for only two days during the previous year due to illness. His employer praises his attendance record and gives him a high ranking in this work quality.

Accuracy

Accuracy is the ability to perform tasks without errors. An accurate team member shows excellent attention to detail and the willingness to cross-check their work. Accuracy can also reduce the time managers spend correcting errors, thereby speeding up work processes.

Example: Mario is an employee who rarely makes mistakes. Before submitting his reports, he diligently cross-checks them to ensure there are no errors. Because of his accuracy, his employer compliments him for surpassing expectations in this type of work quality.

Decision making

The ability to make decisions is an invaluable work quality. An employee with good decision-making skills can make informed decisions based on available knowledge and resources. They're able to revise their decision if the situation demands it. Good decision making typically involves consulting with the right people and foreseeing the consequences of decisions.

Example: Albert has an analytical mind when making decisions, as he considers various factors and data. He's willing to make decisions independently and bear the consequences of his choices. He consistently demonstrates this decisiveness, and his manager compliments him for his high score in this work quality.

Communication

Communication refers to how you exchange ideas and information with others. It involves your oral and written skills and also includes non-verbal communication. A good communicator can express themselves clearly and understand what others share with them. This work quality is beneficial in a company because it allows employees to exchange information more easily, which can improve workflow and productivity.

Example: Sami is highly proficient in verbal and written communication. He shares his opinions with his team members and listens to theirs in return. He writes professional e-mails and receives feedback with a clear head. His supervisor recognizes how great he is at this work quality.

Safety

Safety refers to how well you understand and follow health and safety issues at work. A safety-conscious team member understands why specific guidelines exist and follows them diligently. They encourage others to follow safety precautions and alert others to any health hazards that may arise.

Example: Nelson is always in his hazmat suit when entering the prohibited zone, even when there's little risk of contamination. He also advises others to follow the safety rules. Nelson's manager is impressed with Nelson's ability to set a good example with this work quality.

Work completion

This refers to how thoroughly you complete any assigned tasks. A team member who has excellent work completion may submit deliverables before the expiration of relevant deadlines. As a result, they're very effective and productive. Employers value this quality as it helps them maintain a healthy work culture and attain corporate goals quickly.

Example: Sandra maintains a consistent thoroughness in all her submitted assignments. She submits work within the set deadlines and never requires extra time. Her manager says she is doing great in this work quality.