Chicagoland SIA » The value of job descriptions and titles

Do your insurance agency employees have job descriptions and titles? They should! It can help to clarify potential issues as your agency grows and you expand your staff. Let’s look at how to start this process.

• What are your employees’ roles and what would be the responsibilities of any new position?
• What physical movements, such as lifting, are needed?
• What hours will he or she work?
• Are there any skills, degrees or certifications required for the position?
• What is the title?
• What is the chain of command for any questions and concerns?

These are good questions to consider as you begin to write job descriptions, or put them down in words for the first time. Remember that job descriptions and titles are not set in stone; they can be updated as needed. Ask your employees to help, but let them know it’s about being more organized, clear about expectations, and ready for growth. It’s not meant to alarm them about job security.

Be sure to give any new hires a written job description, and perhaps job descriptions can be articulated in an office handbook. Of course, it’s always a good idea to run your documents by your legal adviser to ensure you’re not including any phrasing that could invite discrimination claims.