Employee Responsibilities

It is not unusual today for an employer to choose an employee who fits their company in terms of the employee’s personal traits and qualities, as they do for their skills and qualifications. If there is a choice between two candidates with equal education and skills, the employer is going to choose the person who seems most likely to “fit in” with the rest of the workers in the company.

Every company or organization has its own unique culture. Much of it is based on mutual understanding and agreement of an employee’s responsibilities. This is something you should ask about during an interview e.g., “How would you characterize your company’s culture?” or, “What do you see as your employee’s key responsibilities?” Once you know, you can determine how that culture fits with your own personality and style.

Below are some of the more common responsibilities for employees – ones you will likely encounter from employers in the natural gas industry:

1. 1. Work safely – Follow workplace safety procedures and ensure your own safety and that of others at all times. Do not agree to do work that you are not trained to do or do not feel you can do safely.
   2. Listen – Pay attention to instructions and act on them.
   3. Take responsibility – Know your job and do it. Recognize how your work affects those around you: co-workers, suppliers, customers.
   4. Take initiative – Generally, there are two types of workers—those who wait to be told what to do, and those who think things through and hence add value to the business by constantly finding tasks that need performing. Some workers do as little as possible, and then only when told. A self-motivated employee automatically sets themselves apart from others. They quickly build a reputation for looking out for the employer’s best interests and putting customers first. These are employees that most often get fast tracked for advancements and promotions.
   5. Give credit to others –Most people today work in groups and teams, where your success is connected to that of the people you work with. Giving credit to others will generate greater long-term benefits than you are taking sole credit. Employers generally know who the real performers are; be a performer and a team player.
   6. Perform your duties cheerfully – Some people are naturally upbeat, positive, and easy to be around. On the job, such individuals are usually well liked by their coworkers. Do you know why? It is because no one wants to work around someone who is miserable. Pessimism breeds more pessimism. Likewise, a positive, cheerful attitude can be “contagious.”
   7. Be dependable – In a production environment, not being where you are supposed to be or doing what you are supposed to, increases risks to safety and production. Increased risk can lead to personal injury and or lost production time; both of which are bad. Arrive to work on time, return phone calls, and perform tasks on time—even simple commitments are important.
   8. Stay healthy –Whenever an employee is sick and takes time off from work, co-workers are affected. The work still has to be done and every worker’s contribution counts. Habitual absences can lead to a decline in morale. It is your responsibility as an employee to do your best to stay healthy by eating well, exercising, and getting plenty of rest. In other words, by doing all that you can to prevent sickness. If you do become sick, notify the employer immediately. Employers do not want people who are sick to report to work. From a safety perspective, you are unlikely to be as alert as you need to be. You may also spread your cold or flu to your co-workers, further hampering the business operations.
   9. Self-discipline – There are plenty of things to attract our attention—the internet, television, cell phones, etc. A good employee is one who stays focused. They do not allow things outside the job to creep in
   10. Exceed expectations – You can significantly increase your value to the company by doing more than what is expected of you. For example, being willing to take on duties that others are reluctant to do (assuming it is safe to do so).
   11. Be respectful and tolerant of others – Treat others with respect and avoid situations that may be perceived as inappropriate. Value differences of others such as age, gender, ethnicity, physical appearance, thinking styles, religion, nationality, sexual orientation and education. Today’s great workplaces value diversity and inclusion, particularly through greater participation of women and Indigenous peoples.

    

   Employer Responsibilities

   In Canada, basic employer responsibilities are set out in legislation by the federal and provincial governments. Federal legislation applies to federally regulated industries such as banking, broadcasting, inland and maritime shipping, and forms of transportation that cross provincial boundaries. Within BC, employment that is not federally regulated is governed by the provincial government’s Employment Standards Act. These codes protect employees from being harmed or exploited on the job.

   Website 2: Canada’s Labour Code
   http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/l-2/page-55.html
   Provides detailed information about Canada’s Labour Code.

   Website 3: BC Employment Standards Act
   http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb/esaguide/
   Detailed information about BC’s Employment Standards Act.