Performing higher duties at work is common, but when is it too much?

Carrying out tasks that extend beyond the scope of your job description may be an ordinary part of employment. However, when such requests become frequent or deviate significantly from your typical responsibilities, it may be prudent to address the issue.

Paula Brough, director of the Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing at Griffith University, explains that while it is not uncommon for employees to be asked to perform extra duties, it is perfectly acceptable to decline if these tasks become excessive and burdensome.

A reasonable request, according to Sarah McCann-Bartlett, CEO and managing director of the Australian HR Institute, should be transparent, collaborative, and fair. Employers should clearly communicate the reasons behind the extra duties and any associated compensation, such as overtime or training requirements.

In a well-functioning organization, employees who take on additional responsibilities are likely to experience positive outcomes, such as improved social cohesion, team performance, and productivity. However, if the extra duties become excessive and negatively impact work-life balance, employees may feel resentful and experience burnout.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are being asked to perform too many tasks outside your job description, it is advisable to discuss the issue with your manager first. Be clear about your concerns, how the additional responsibilities are affecting your actual job duties and personal life, and propose potential solutions, such as compromising on the scope of the extra tasks or updating your job description.

If you are unable to resolve the issue internally, you may need to escalate the matter to the Fair Work Commission, which will require evidence of a fair and open process, and both parties acting reasonably.