What Are Essential Job Functions and How to Use them in the Workplace

Essential job functions are the fundamental duties of the job that the person holding the position is expected to perform. They are legally defined duties that cannot be modified or prevented from being performed. In other words, these tasks are the core tasks expected of a person holding the position and must be completed in order for the position to be fulfilled properly.

Essential job functions often paint a picture of the overall scope of the job itself. For example, a customer service representative‘s essential job functions will include taking inbound customer calls, addressing customer inquiries and resolving customer complaints. These tasks encompass the overall scope of the job and must be completed for the position to be fulfilled satisfactorily.

When hiring for a position, employers should make sure to clearly state the essential job functions in the job description. That way, potential employees will know what is expected of them and employers can weed out any candidates who may not be able to perform the tasks that are necessary for the job. This also helps to ensure that there is no misunderstanding between the employer and the employee regarding the job duties.

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Essential job functions are also important to consider when crafting performance reviews. Employers should review an employee’s performance in relation to the essential job functions of their position. This will help to verify if employees are performing up to standard with regard to the core duties of the job. Unsatisfactory performance in an essential job function should be addressed accordingly.

Essential job functions are an important concept for employers and businesses to understand. Not only do they help to define the scope of a position, but they also help to ensure that the position is filled by someone who is capable of performing the duties of the job. When hiring for a new position or conducting performance reviews, employers should always keep the essential job functions in mind and review employee performance relative to those functions.

Related Legal Concepts

Understanding essential job functions often intersects with workplace harassment policies, as employers must ensure that core job duties do not create environments where harassment can occur unchecked. Additionally, health benefits eligibility may be tied to whether an employee can perform essential job functions, particularly in cases involving workplace accommodations or disability considerations.

The Bottom Line

Essential job functions serve as the foundation for fair hiring practices, performance evaluations, and workplace accommodations under employment law. They protect both employers and employees by clearly defining what constitutes the core responsibilities of any given position. For guidance specific to your situation, always consult a qualified, licensed attorney.