Human Resources Basics: Employee Job Titles

Employee job titles seem to be a huge struggle between an organization's management and their staff. Management asks "Why are titles so important?" and the employees want to know why there are so many different types of titles with no consistency and why management does not understand the importance of job titles to them. Companies on all levels of business do not have uniform titles. Some do not even have solid titles in their own organization. Two different people can have the same job duties but with two unique job titles.

From a Human Resources point of view, job titles are essential to the employee, but they need to be consistent and well managed. Companies need to pick the right job title that makes the most sense to them and their customers.

Job titles are extremely important for the employee. A title helps the employee validate their importance in the organization. Companies need to realize that promotion to a new title needs to be followed up with the job responsibilities that go with that title. If an employee is promoted to Manager from Administrative Assistant, that person should be expected to take on management responsibilities. For this reason, it is important that new managers are given management training.

If a company wants to promote an employee but does not feel that the employee is quite ready, goals should be clearly stated to show the employee what steps they can take to achieve a promotion in their performance review. This shows the employee that management is paying attention to their desires for promotion and they will work harder to prove they are valuable.

Most employees seek better job titles because they see it as advancement and it also builds their confidence as well as energizes their performance. This gives them pride in their jobs and creates a sense of loyalty to the company.