Employment and duties: Overview, definition, and example
What are employment and duties?
Employment and duties refer to the section of an employment agreement that outlines the terms of an individual’s employment, including their role, responsibilities, reporting structure, and obligations. This provision clarifies the scope of the employee’s work and the expectations of the employer, serving as a foundation for the working relationship.
For example, an employment contract might specify that an employee is hired as a “Sales Manager” and is responsible for overseeing sales operations and achieving specific revenue targets.
Why are employment and duties important?
Employment and duties provisions are important because they provide clarity and alignment between the employer and employee, reducing the potential for misunderstandings about the role or responsibilities. For SMBs, this section ensures accountability, sets performance expectations, and helps avoid disputes about job scope or obligations.
A clearly defined employment and duties clause also protects the employer if performance issues arise and supports compliance with employment laws by explicitly stating the terms of the working relationship.
Understanding employment and duties through an example
Imagine an SMB hires a Marketing Director. The employment agreement includes an employment and duties clause stating that the Marketing Director will develop and implement marketing strategies, manage the marketing team, and report directly to the CEO. The clause also specifies that the director must comply with company policies and perform duties as assigned by the CEO.
In another scenario, a software company hires a developer on a fixed-term contract. The employment and duties section outlines the developer’s responsibilities, including writing code, debugging software, and collaborating with the project team. It also states that the developer will report progress weekly to the project manager.
An example of an employment and duties clause
Here’s how an employment and duties clause might appear in an employment agreement:
“The Employee is employed as [Insert Job Title] and shall perform the duties and responsibilities set forth in Exhibit A, as well as any additional tasks reasonably assigned by the Employer. The Employee shall report directly to [Insert Reporting Line, e.g., the Manager or CEO] and adhere to all company policies and procedures. The Employee agrees to devote their full time, attention, and best efforts to the performance of their duties during working hours.”
Conclusion
The employment and duties section of an agreement defines the role, responsibilities, and expectations of an employee, providing a clear foundation for the working relationship. For SMBs, this clause is essential for ensuring alignment, setting performance expectations, and minimizing disputes about job responsibilities. A well-drafted employment and duties clause promotes transparency, accountability, and a productive employer-employee relationship.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.