Do you consider yourself an asset or a cost to the company?
To Be an Asset to the Company Rather Than a Cost
In today’s dynamic work
environment, employers expect employees to do more than just perform their
assigned tasks. They seek employees who engage with their visions and
contribute significantly to the success of the organization. But as an
employee, how can you transform yourself from being a perceived cost to
becoming a valuable asset to your company? The key milestones on this path are
aligning your skills, behaviors, and contributions with the company's goals and
vision.
In many organizations, employees
are initially seen as a cost to the company due to salaries, benefits, and
training costs. However, by aligning with the company’s strategic goals,
continually improving your skills, and fostering a positive work culture, this
transformation not only enhances your growth but also secures more opportunities,
making you an indispensable part of the organization.
10
Tips to become an asset to the company
Global Perspective
Aligning with Company Goals
is essential for employees to be seen as valuable. Research shows that
employees who understand and contribute to a company’s mission are more
productive and engaged, directly influencing the company's success (McKinsey & Company, 2020).
Continuous Upskilling is
also critical. As industries evolve, employees who engage in lifelong learning
and upgrade their skills become indispensable to their organizations. The World
Economic Forum highlights the growing importance of upskilling in staying
competitive in the workforce (World Economic Forum,2020).
Furthermore, employees who innovate
and solve problems contribute significantly to their company’s ability to
adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing market. Companies like Amazon and
Tesla are prime examples of how innovation drives business success, and
employees who offer creative solutions are highly valued (Harvard Business Review, 2019).
How the Sri Lankan Workforce is Seizing Opportunities
Across Industries
In Sri Lanka, the perspective of
being an asset to a company rather than a cost revolves around cultural,
economic, and organizational factors. Employees are encouraged to be proactive,
productive, and aligned with the company’s goals. Several industries, such as
Dialog Axiata, John Keells Holdings, Sri Lankan Airlines, and Hayleys PLC,
offer opportunities where individuals can become assets to their organizations,
along with some relevant perspectives, particularly in the Sri Lankan context.
Hayleys PLC, a leading company in Sri Lanka, has positioned itself as a valuable asset to both its organization and the broader Sri Lankan economy.
1. Understanding Company Expectations – Hayleys Fabric
Hayleys Fabric, the team embraced lean manufacturing practices, driving efficiency and product quality. This effort helped the company achieve global recognition for its high-quality fabrics (Hayleys Annual Report, 2023).
2. Specialization and
Skill Development – Hayleys Agriculture
In Hayleys Agriculture,
employees specializing in plantation management and agricultural sciences play
a key role in maintaining the company’s leadership in Sri Lanka’s tea and
rubber exports. Their expertise in crop management and sustainable practices
ensures a competitive edge in international markets (Hayley Agriculture Report, 2023).
3. Proactivity and Taking
Initiative – Hayleys Solar Power
Hayleys Solar Power is another example where the company expertise proactively introduced solar energy systems across its factories, reducing its carbon footprint and cutting energy costs. This initiative benefits both the company and the environment (Hayleys Sustainability Report, 2023).
4. Flexibility and
Willingness to Take on Additional Tasks – Hayleys Industrial Solutions
During the COVID-19 pandemic,
employees at Hayleys Industrial Solutions showcased flexibility by
shifting production lines to manufacture PPE and essential supplies. Their
adaptability helped the company support the nation during a time of crisis (Sri Lanka Business News, 2020).
Conclusion
Through their efforts, Hayleys
PLC has shown how employees, no matter their role, can create value by aligning
with company goals, improving their skills, and staying attuned to industry
changes. These actions not only drive individual success but also contribute to
the company’s long-term sustainability and growth.
In today’s fast-paced work
environment, employees are expected to go beyond just completing their tasks.
They need to prove their worth and play an active role in driving the company’s
success. So, how can you shift from being seen as a cost to becoming a valuable
asset? The answer lies in aligning your skills and contributions with the
company’s mission and values. This blog will explore how employees can
transform into valuable assets, from both a global perspective and within the
Sri Lankan context.
While employees are initially
seen as a financial investment—due to salaries, benefits, and training
costs—aligning with a company's strategic goals allows individuals to prove
their worth and make a meaningful impact on the organization's success.
References
- McKinsey
& Company. (2020). The Future of Work: How Organizations Can
Embrace Change. McKinsey Insights.
- World
Economic Forum. (2020). The Future of Jobs Report. WEF.
- Harvard
Business Review. (2019). The Importance of Innovation and
Accountability in the Workplace. HBR.
- Hayleys
PLC Annual Report, (2023/24). Human Capital.PP.256 https://www.hayleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Hayleys-2024-Cover.pdf
- Hayleys
PLC Annual Report, (2023/24). Agriculture.PP.182 https://www.hayleys.com/hayleys-annual-report/pdf/Agriculture.pdf
- Hayleys
PLC Annual Report, (2022/23). Fentons.PP.279 https://www.hayleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Hayleys-AR-2023.pdf
You’ve thoroughly discussed the aspect of individuals being seen as assets or costs to an organization. From my perspective, employees are initially viewed as a financial investment. However, with the right training, development, and commitment from each individual, they can demonstrate their value and make a meaningful impact on the organization. I appreciate the detailed insights on this topic and look forward to more content like this!
ReplyDeleteThis blog effectively highlights how Hayleys PLC employees contribute to the company’s success by aligning their skills and initiatives with organizational goals, driving efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability. It emphasizes the importance of employees taking an active role in creating value, transforming from being seen as a cost to becoming essential assets to the company.
ReplyDeleteYour discussion accurately reflects our collective identity and values. It provides a clear and insightful explanation of how we can be valuable assets to the organization. Additionally, you have framed your arguments within the Sri Lankan context, emphasizing positive norms and practices that resonate with our cultural setting. This perspective not only grounds your points in reality but also encourages us to leverage our unique strengths to contribute effectively to the organization’s goals.
ReplyDeleteRegularly updating your skills makes you more adaptable to industry changes and technological advancements. Additionally Learning new skills can lead to promotions, expanded responsibilities, and higher salaries.
ReplyDeleteStrategic alignments, continuous learning and improvements are the key factors to driving both individual and organisational success.
ReplyDeleteShifting from being seen as a cost to an asset is key to long-term career growth. This post provides great insight into how employees can align with company goals and continuously develop their skills to add value. It’s a great reminder that adaptability and continuous learning are essential in today’s fast-changing work environment.
ReplyDeleteIntresting how employees can position themselves as valuable assets rather than just costs to a company. The emphasis on aligning with company goals, continuous upskilling, and innovation is particularly relevant in today’s fast-changing business environment. Sri Lanka’s workforce, as demonstrated by Hayleys PLC and other leading companies, showcases the power of adaptability, specialization, and proactive initiatives in driving organizational success. Encouraging a culture of continuous learning and problem-solving will be key in ensuring long-term growth for both employees and businesses in Sri Lanka!
ReplyDeleteGreat insight! Hayleys PLC showcases how aligning skills with company goals can turn employees into valuable assets. By actively contributing to the organization’s mission, employees not only enhance their own success but also drive long-term growth and sustainability.
ReplyDeleteViewing oneself as an asset to the company encourages a proactive and value-driven approach to work. When employees see themselves as contributors to organizational success, they focus on growth, innovation, and collaboration, ultimately driving better results for both themselves and the company.
ReplyDeleteWhether an individual is positioned as an asset or a cost to a company always depends on their contributions and impact. Employees who add value through productivity, innovation, and alignment with company goals are considered assets. Yet if the investment in an employee exceeds their output or contributions, they may be viewed as a cost. Ultimately, fostering skills, engagement, and alignment ensures that employees are seen as valuable assets rather than expenses.
ReplyDeleteI beleive that every employee is an asset to a company, if we manage them with alignment to the company's expectations. Nice to see the measures some of the companies have taken to shape up their employees to be a asset rather than a cost for the betterment of both the parties.
ReplyDeleteGreate.organization has given opportunity to create value by aligning company goals,improving skills,and staying attuned to industry changes.therefore this proved your self ia assets for the organization .
ReplyDelete