Show-Me State Times

A recent survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) revealed that 70% of HR professionals believe unclear job roles lead to confusion and inefficiency in the workplace. The report suggests that clear understanding of job roles within a company can enhance employee satisfaction and retention.

Mara Marino, vice president of compensation consulting at Salary.com, explained that job analysis is a systematic process used to fully determine the duties and requirements of a job. This involves analyzing job requirements, responsibilities, tasks, and workflows associated with an individual role. By doing so, HR professionals can identify the necessary skills and qualifications needed to perform the job effectively.

Marino emphasized that conducting interviews and making observations are essential steps in a job analysis. "This enables them to gain a comprehensive picture of what the job requirements demand from employees in a role," Marino said. "By conducting a thorough job analysis, you can find and hire the best candidates to fill the role in question."

According to Marino, job analysis should not be a one-time or infrequent task but should be conducted regularly for every role within an organization. Regularly performing job analyses can help determine appropriate compensation levels, improve recruitment and hiring practices, enhance training and development programs, and lead to higher levels of employee satisfaction and retention.

An effective analysis also includes a detailed review of the job description. Marino recommends gathering information through interviews, questionnaires, or direct observation of employees performing their jobs. "The final report should give anyone who reads it a comprehensive understanding of the job requirements and responsibilities," she said. "Employers can then use this job analysis for purposes such as recruiting, training, and performance management."

For more information on conducting an effective job analysis, Marino directs readers to consult a guide available from Salary.com.