When it comes to the workplace, people tend to focus more on how productive and efficient employees can be. The reliability part tends to be forgotten, however, it is also as crucial especially during this time when most employees have shifted work to their homes.

For companies and organisations to continue operating efficiently, Jane Nakaayi, an educator says reliability becomes a very crucial aspect.

Reliability goes beyond the ability to keep a schedule and show up to work on time. It also includes keeping one’s word and being dependable, she says.

Freedom Kabera, a youth leader who also works with a law firm in Kigali says being able to manage your work in a timely manner as well as handle your workload means that your employers or supervisors can count on you with everything.

Experts believe that employability skills can be developed from many areas including school, work, and through hobbies and sport.

For those starting their career, Kabera says work experience can help when it comes to developing the skills you need including reliability.

Importance

Francis Mwangi, an educator teaching human resource management at Mount Kenya University says when one is reliable; there are higher chances of them securing different jobs.

This is so because it promotes trust between an individual and the employer, thus making it easy for one to land other jobs around, he says.

"In general, reliability is one of the most fundamental and crucial qualities that an employee can possess. This is so because employers care about a candidate’s dependability because it shows that they have a strong work ethic and can be trusted to complete their responsibilities on time,” he says.

When you are reliable as an employee, Mwangi says there are higher chances of being promoted.

He notes that this is one of the traits supervisors look for when they seek to promote employees and entrust them with more responsibility.

Also, he adds that it’s believed that when an employee is able to deliver on smaller tasks on a consistent basis, this can increase their standing over time to head new tasks at their organisation.

"Reliability can be a great motivator to become better at managing your workload thus ensuring you stay focused all the time,” he says.

Nakaayi supplements on this saying that when one is reliable, it creates new opportunities for them- making sure that one builds strong working relationships with colleagues, who can help them lay the foundation for a good professional network.

Ways to improve your reliability

Take your responsibilities seriously

The first step towards becoming a more reliable employee is taking your responsibilities seriously, whether that’s at work or in your personal life. Once you’ve committed yourself to responsibility, view completing it as an absolute necessity.

Analyse every situation before committing

Over-committing without any consideration is one of the biggest reasons that some employees end up being unreliable. Always analyse your schedule and situation before committing to any professional engagements.

Communicate beforehand to fully understand what’s expected of you and when it’s expected to be completed. Clearly express if there’s any chance that you won’t be able to work within these parameters.

Work on your communication skills

The root of unreliability often comes down to miscommunication. Being unclear on instructions or deadlines can lead to a huge decrease in dependability.