How Important Are Job Descriptions?

Are formal job descriptions really necessary?  Are you currently utilizing job descriptions for all current positions?  Are your employees aware of what their job qualifications and responsibilities truly are?

If you answered “NO” to any or all of these questions, you may want to read the rest of this article to find out the benefits of job descriptions.

While there is no state or federal law requiring you to have or provide job descriptions, they can be a helpful tool for both legal and practical reasons.

Some of the most important reasons to have them and hand them out to your employees are:

  • They are a useful communication tool.
  • They can help you or your team identify the right candidate for the right job.
  • Legally they could help with potential new hires who may need “reasonable accommodations”.  The job description would serve as a starting point for the conversation with the applicant on which duties they may or may not be able to perform without such accommodations.
  • Gives clear and legitimate minimum qualifications for any position.
  • Assists with justifying an employee’s exempt status.

Not sure how to write them up or where to start?  Feel free to consult with our Human Resource Generalist at 315-258-8780.