How Job Descriptions Can Help Employees See Their Future

There are days when it would be nice to have a crystal ball. If we could just see what's going to happen, then we could get ready.

We've had a tough few years, where difficulties and changes just kept coming. For some, this prompted a reassessment of how we see work, causing people to change jobs or careers. Others are craving stability and would like to settle in and build their careers at one place.

Whether your employees are looking to leave or stay, understanding the jobs and career paths in your organization can help employees see a future where they are.

Finding Career Paths with Job Descriptions

When you have the right tools and data about the jobs in your organization, you can give people visibility into the roles, responsibilities, and requirements for any job. This allows employees to see what they need to do to get ready for the position they want. It also provides information for managers to discuss careers with their reports, learn what they would like to do next, and help them get the training and experience they need.

The key to finding career paths is having a comprehensive job architecture with a clear set of job descriptions showing what skills and experience are needed.

When your job descriptions are clear, consistent, and complete, it's easy to compare roles and levels so employees and their managers can see where people are, possibilities for where they want to go, and exactly what they need to get there. In larger organizations, neither employees nor managers may know what's even possible. Often people in one place don't see what other people are doing in different divisions and locations. They often don't have any idea about the opportunities in their own organizations.

Salary.com's JobArchitect can change that. The tools help you create the framework and job descriptions so career paths become visible. Anyone in the company can see the descriptions and how different jobs fit into the organization. When employees and managers can see the skill sets, competencies, and qualifications for any position, they can explore options, figure out what's next, and get ready. Employees can see that they don't have to leave to find their next role.

JobArchitect is even better than a crystal ball. It shows you the future, then helps you get there.