Effectively developed, employee job descriptions are communication tools that are significant in your organization’s success. Poorly written employee job descriptions, on the other hand, add to workplace confusion, hurt communication, and make people feel as if they don’t know what is expected from them.

Employee job descriptions are written statements that describe the duties, responsibilities, required qualifications, and reporting relationships of a particular job. Employee job descriptions are based on objective information obtained through job analysis, an understanding of the competencies and skills required to accomplish needed tasks, and the needs of the organization to produce work.
Employee job descriptions clearly identify and spell out the responsibilities of a specific job. Employee job descriptions also include information about working conditions, tools, equipment used, knowledge and skills needed, and relationships with other positions.

Still uncertain about the value of employee job descriptions? Consider these tips about employee job descriptions.

Positives About Employee Job Descriptions

Employee job descriptions provide an opportunity to clearly communicate your company direction and they tell the employee where he or she fits inside of the big picture.

Employee job descriptions help you cover all your legal bases.

Whether you’re recruiting new employees or posting jobs for internal applicants, employee job descriptions tell the candidate exactly what you want in your selected person.

Well-written employee job descriptions help organization employees, who must work with the person hired, understand the boundaries of the person’s responsibilities.

On the next page, read five warnings about employee job descriptions, including how you can develop job descriptions that provide the positive impact you desire that mitigates their potential negative impact.