Higher duties: Overview, definition, and example
What are higher duties?
Higher duties refer to tasks or responsibilities that are typically beyond the scope of an employee’s usual role, often requiring additional skills, knowledge, or experience. When an employee is asked to perform higher duties, they are temporarily assigned more complex or senior-level tasks, which may include managing larger projects, supervising teams, or taking on critical decision-making responsibilities. These duties are usually compensated at a higher rate due to the increased responsibility.
For example, an assistant manager may be asked to step in as the acting manager during the regular manager's absence, taking on the manager's responsibilities for a certain period.
Why are higher duties important?
Higher duties are important because they help organizations maintain operations when key staff members are unavailable, whether due to illness, vacation, or other reasons. Assigning employees to higher duties also allows businesses to evaluate their potential for growth and leadership roles. For employees, performing higher duties can be an opportunity for career development, skill enhancement, and potentially moving up within the organization.
For employers, assigning higher duties can ensure that business operations continue smoothly while also giving employees the chance to prove their capability to handle more advanced roles.
Understanding higher duties through an example
Imagine a small company where the office manager takes on additional responsibilities when the CEO is out of the office. The office manager temporarily handles the CEO’s tasks, such as decision-making for important projects and overseeing operations. This arrangement allows the company to continue functioning without disruption during the CEO’s absence. The office manager may also receive a temporary increase in salary as compensation for these higher duties.
In another example, an employee working in a sales role may be asked to step into a temporary leadership role while their manager is on leave. During this period, the employee oversees the team, makes key decisions, and ensures that sales targets are met. The employee is paid a higher wage during this time due to the additional responsibilities.
An example of a higher duties clause
Here’s how a higher duties clause might appear in a contract:
“The Employee may be required to perform higher duties, including tasks outside their normal responsibilities, as reasonably determined by the Employer. If such duties are performed for a continuous period exceeding [Insert Time Period], the Employee shall be compensated at a higher rate in accordance with the additional responsibilities.”
Conclusion
Higher duties are a way for businesses to maintain productivity and flexibility by temporarily assigning additional responsibilities to employees. These duties provide opportunities for employees to develop new skills, prove their leadership potential, and take on more challenging roles. For employers, higher duties help ensure that essential tasks are covered without disruption, while offering a way to fairly compensate employees for taking on extra responsibilities.
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.