As a general rule, the answer is yes. If you work for an employer at will, they may alter your job description and add new responsibilities. However, if your job description is altered for an unlawful reason, such as to retaliate against you for reporting wrongdoing, you may be able to sue your employer in accordance with employment law.
In California, an employer may change an
‘s job description to add additional duties if the employee is hired at will. “At-will employment” means an employer can change an employee’s job duties, pay, title, hours, and more, and apply those changes to any future work.
Can my employer change my job role?
To the general rule that your employer may modify your job description at any time, there are a few significant exceptions:
What information is in a job role description?
Typically, a job description includes all pertinent information about that position. A well-written job role description benefits both the employer and the employee by laying out the expectations and responsibilities of the position as well as the performance standards needed to succeed in it. Some of the most common elements of job descriptions are:
What are the protections against job changes?
Unless you fall under one of the aforementioned exceptions, you cannot legally prevent your employer from changing your job role. Nevertheless, there are some steps you can take to safeguard your career from any potential negative effects of taking on new job responsibilities and expectations, such as:
Employer best practices for changing job roles
Here are some best practices that an employer should adhere to when changing an employee’s job duties:
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be legal advice. If you have any legal questions, you should speak with a lawyer.
My employer wants to change my job site and job duties. What can I do?
FAQ
Can my employer change my job role completely?
Yes, in some cases. Generally speaking, an employer may modify an employee’s job responsibilities, schedule, or place of employment without the employee’s consent, unless an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement specifies otherwise.
When your boss changes your job description?
In general, employers are free to alter job duties at their discretion if there is no specific employment contract or collective bargaining agreement. The phrase “additional duties and responsibilities as assigned” appears in the majority of job descriptions.
Can your job description be changed?
It is assumed that as an employee, you will be able to adapt to small changes in your role and how you perform it. Your job description may be changed by your employer to reflect this.
