Workplace values, like adaptability, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics.
In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur.
A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone.
With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?
In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of adaptability and 3 ways you can practice adaptability at your office.
What is adaptability?
Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?
According to Lexico.com, adaptability refers to a “the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions”. It has also been referred to as “the capacity to be modified for a new use or purpose”.
Let’s take a moment to let that definition sink in.
When placed into the context of a working environment, adaptability can take on both definitions at an office. Across both meanings, a sense of flexibility seems to be a common ground.
As with any workplace value, we use adaptability as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂
How to practice adaptability at the office?
Practicing the workplace value of adaptability at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures.
We practice adaptability through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing adaptability within your own office space.
Be open to surprises
Being open to surprises is one of the first steps you can take to practice adaptability at the workplace.
Everyone has his or her fair share of work at the office. However, there are some days where unexpected work can turn up at our table. One way to demonstrate adaptability is by keeping an open mind to such surprises.
If you find that you have lesser workload on one day and don’t mind helping out your colleagues with a surprise project that came out of nowhere, that’s one way you can practice adaptability at the office!
Practice adaptability when the work is urgently due or when more hands can help to check this task off the list. Keeping an open mind to such surprises and instilling a helping mentality can help you better handle unexpected change in your work schedule.
When you recognise the situation and help others out at the office, you would be demonstrating the workplace value of adaptability in a simple yet efficient manner.
Take on new roles eagerly
One can practice adaptability in relation to his or her role at the workplace too! How exactly? It’s not just projects that you can take on, individuals can also take on new roles within the office 🙂
As such, the second way you can practice the workplace value of adaptability is by taking on new roles eagerly.
With the overwhelming changes taking place with the global economy, numerous businesses are undergoing restructuring exercises. As such, new roles and responsibility may be created within your firm. Express your interest to take on these new challenges to express your ability to adapt!
This will help to maximise your talents while also allowing you the opportunity to try something new at work! Thus, efforts to take on new roles within the office is one way to practice the workplace value of adaptability in the office.
Keep your calm
The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of adaptability at your office is by keeping your calm.
When changes come into any picture, people immediately get tense and feel uncomfortable. As such, keeping your calm can help you go far in practising adaptability.
Adaptable individuals are able to keep their cool irregardless of the the surprise projects that may come their way. When others find themselves in a state of frenzy, keeping your calm can help you lead with a clear head. Making decisions become easier and you would not get as stressed about issues anymore.
It’s as simple as taking a deep breath or collecting your thoughts before reacting to a situation! As such, keeping your calm is one other way to practise the workplace value of adaptability at the office!
What's next?
And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of adaptability. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice adaptability at the workplace.
Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!
Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?
If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.
No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!
