For earlier generations, the question of employer loyalty was a simple one: Your loyalty was to the sole company that employed you.

But now, things are much different. Many people work multiple jobs, and if you’re working through a staffing agency – you’re technically being employed by two different companies.

So where should the loyalties of the modern worker lie? It’s a complex question that depends on an individual’s particular situation.

Transparency is the best policy

Employees in today’s economy have to be honest with themselves and their employers. Handling numerous jobs at the same time is difficult, and loyalty starts with being up-front regarding where you have worked in the past, or where you are currently employed.

A situation involving a conflict of interest when dealing with several employers is a distinct possibility that would have been quite rare in the past. Being up-front around these conflicts will earn you respect from prospective employers.

Put people first

Many people put their faith in other people, not companies, and that means it’s a good idea to build solid relationships inside these businesses, particularly with people you can depend on.

Loyalty to someone inside a company might also put you in a situation where you can make use of your extensive network to help the company fill other jobs or locate business leads. Not only would this kind of move show dedication to your job, it would also display your loyalty to the company and its employees.

Be dedicated to good hard work

Rather than placing your loyalty in Company XYZ, it might be a better idea to commit to the projects you work on for that company.

Being hired as a freelancer or contractor generally means you’re working on a project for a particular period of time. It’s important to stay loyal to that project, even when things go awry. One way to show loyalty to a project would be to put in an extra hour or two and even though you might not get paid more compensation. This will demonstrate you’re willing to go “above and beyond” to get things done.

If the project extends beyond your contract, see what you can do to make added contributions, and think twice regarding any new contracts when your project is supposed to end, as projects often run past deadlines.

These steps go quite a distance in showing a company you offer the same amount of loyalty as a full-time worker. Focus on getting projects done also has the added bonus of racking up accomplishments you can later use in your resume, cover letter,  an interview or work proposal.

At ZDA, we understand the complexities of today’s labor environment, and we regularly help workers navigate difficult choices. If you’re currently looking to take the next step in your supply chain career, please contact us today to get started on working with a leader in supply chain recruitment!

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