HR 103: Managing Duties Outside the Job Description
Let's talk about something that happens in almost every small business: asking employees to do tasks that weren't in their original job description. It seems harmless, but if you're not careful, it can create problems down the road. The key is to handle these requests with care to stay on the right side of the law and keep your team happy.
Why You Can't Just Assign Anything
Your employee's job description isn't just a formality. It sets expectations for both you and them. It's the basis for their pay, their classification, and their work hours.
While most job descriptions include a line like "other duties as assigned," that doesn't give you a free pass to ask them to do anything and everything. The tasks you assign need to be reasonably related to their original role.
Pay and Classification
If you give an employee new duties that are a big step up from their original role, you might need to adjust their pay. A significant change in responsibilities could also change their classification, which could impact their eligibility for things like overtime under the ESA.
Upholding Transparency and Fairness
To avoid issues and keep your team on your side, here are a few best practices:
Be honest from the start. Make sure your job postings and descriptions accurately reflect the work and responsibilities of the role. Don't mislead people about what the job actually entails.
Communicate clearly. When you want to add new duties, talk to your employee about it. Explain why you need them to take on the new tasks and make sure they feel prepared to handle them.
Document everything. It's always a good idea to have a written document outlining the terms and conditions of employment. This prevents misunderstandings and gives both of you a clear reference point.
Review and update. As your business grows and roles change, regularly review and update your job descriptions. This keeps things aligned with what your team is actually doing and helps you stay compliant with the ESA.
My 2Cents
As businesses grow, it’s natural for roles to shift and new responsibilities to come up. The key is making sure those changes are discussed openly so employees understand what’s expected and feel prepared to handle it. Adding tasks outside the original job description can work well if there’s communication, training, and fair consideration for the extra effort. Keeping job descriptions updated and aligned with ESA guidelines helps employers stay organized and employees feel respected: a win-win for both sides.
