Completely random addition to my job description?

Question

Hey, basically my job description was very misleading - it implied a very extensive, interesting range of tasks which make use of my skills, but instead this student office job consists of inputting numbers into spreadsheets and cellotaping bits of paper.

Recently, I had a random task added to my daily duties which involves collecting garbage and cleaning at some rubbish depot on site. I was shocked as although this job needs to be done, it should not be my responsibility and I find it quite demoralizing as my managers know i've been wanting some more challenging/helpful responsibilities in the office.

Also, a few people who have been there longer but still have the exact same position as me and work with me have not been given this job. My manager also refused to allow me to do some over-time in another of his departments.

What are my rights? This was not on the job offer/description I signed.

I don't think clearing garbage is lower then me, I just don't think its my responsibility - just like it wouldn't be the responsibility/set task of a columnist in a magazine to go and write out cheques for the finance dept.

And I found it de-motivating in the sense that I was given this completely un-related task when I had been asking for more responsibilties in areas which I have skills/qualifications in.

I just wanted to know if it was illegal to change someones job description in the contract like this (I live in the UK).. and tbh I can't find anything which says about doing whatever else the employer wants in it.

Answer 1

I'm not sure how it works in the UK, but unfortunately, here in the US they can add this based on a little phrase called "and other duties as assigned." The best thing for you to do is sit down with your boss and discuss it with them. Tell them that you accepted this job with the hopes of contributing your current skills while given such a valuable opportunity to learn more. Explain that you don't feel that this is the most productive use of your time and tell them what you would like to contribute. I can't guarantee that your boss will agree with you, but at least you will be giving them in a non-defensive way your thoughts and suggestions on what kind of contributions you can make to the organization. (and wow, I might say, I have been stuck with some horrible ones, but this one does not compare to what you are going through)

Good luck!

Answer 2

Ah, the "other duties as required" clause. Almost everyone in a clerical position has that requirement. I'm a manager of a systems team, but today I was cleaning a desk for our audit manager's new office. It needed to be done, so I did it. (Admittedly, I did whine a bit after.)

I think it's well within reason to ask that the cleaning duties be shared, but if the answer is 'no', then you can either do them with a smile or find another job. I'd go the smile route myself. It will only make you look better.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

If you've already addressed this with your manager, ask for a meeting with HR to discuss your terms of employment. Explain that the job you're doing is not even remotely what you were hired for, and that your manager has not been responsive to your requests for clarification. In the long run, it sounds like you should be looking for another job. Typically, once you're in this type of situation, you can pretty much rely on things not getting much better.

Answer 5

As for a copy of your job description and have your boss outline your duties. You can refuse to do the work if it is not on your job description.
On another note, why not accept the jobs, no matter how menial, even if they are not on your job description. It will show your boss that you are a hard worker and can handle challenging situations, and that you are flexible. Perhaps your boss sees something in you that he didn't in the others. Basically, a job description is anything the boss asks of you.

Answer 6

Hey, I hate to tell you this, but student jobs are like that. And if you're the new guy, and something menial has to be done, guess who gets it?

Your rights are to quit and find a job more to your liking. Be aware that pretty much every job description, often expressed but otherwise implied, has a line something like "And anything else that needs to be done that the boss gives you to do."

Answer 7

You are trading your time for a paycheck (their money). As long as it isn't illegal, you are employed to do what they tell you to do. In just about every company I've seen that have written job descriptions, the last line is "other duties as assigned". It doesn't matter that you think it is beneath you to clean up garbage. You can either do it or find a new job.

Answer 8

Do the job that you are asked to do. Your bosses know that trash duty is dirty work and they will appreciate your good attitude.