Job Titles: Is 'Multitask Executive' a Fair Label for Employees with Multiple Roles?

Is it acceptable to use the designation 'Multitask Executive' for an employee who is serving multiple roles?

The designation of 'Multitask Executive' can certainly be used if it accurately reflects the responsibilities of the individual. There's no legal restriction against it as per Indian labor laws.

However, it's important to consider a few points before implementing such a title change:

1. Clarity: Ensure that the job title clearly communicates the role and responsibilities of the individual both within and outside the organization. A vague title like 'Multitask Executive' may not provide sufficient information about the person's specific roles or responsibilities.

2. Consistency: Try to maintain consistency with industry norms. If the title is too unique or different, it may cause confusion or misunderstanding.

3. Employee Agreement: Make sure the employee agrees with the new designation and understands what it entails.

4. Job Description: Update the job description to match the new title and clearly outline the multiple roles the employee will be undertaking.

5. Performance Evaluation: Establish how the employee's performance will be evaluated considering the multiple roles they will be handling.

If these factors are adequately addressed, it's entirely acceptable to use the 'Multitask Executive' designation. Remember, the goal is to ensure the title accurately and positively reflects the employee's role within the organization.

Dear Riya Saha,

When I checked Google, I found jobs for the "Multitask Executive." Therefore, though uncommon, this designation does exist. Having said that, I wish you had given more information about the multiple things this position will entail. Will the multiple tasks be in the same department or different departments? Will there be field activities as well? Will multitasking bring diversity in its wake, and if yes, does the person have a suitable skill set to handle each task efficiently? This information would have helped us suggest an alternative designation.

Challenges of the Multitask Executive Role

Your question on the validity of the designation "Multitask Executive" has been answered. However, I wish to go beyond and raise a few pertinent points. If I read between the lines, I visualize the following challenges:

a) Will this position have single or multiple reporting authorities?

b) Henri Fayol has given 14 principles of management. One of the principles is "unity of command." If point (a) mentioned above is true, then the situation will violate Fayol's fourth and fifth management principles. Has your company identified the issues arising out of the violation?

c) Since this position will handle multiple tasks, the situation merits designing a proper timetable of activities. A few examples of such activities are as follows:

c1) On each working day, the Multitask Executive will work at _____ (name of the department or section) from 0930 hours to 1100 hours.

c2) Every Friday, the Multitask Executive will work at _____ (name of the department or section) in the second half.

d) Notwithstanding the timetable made as mentioned in point (c) above, there is a chance of the overlap of work. Who will ensure that the overlap does not happen?

e) If there are multiple reporting authorities, then what if one of the authorities does not consider the requirements to handle the activities other than his departments and increases the workload as if this position is totally under his control? What preventive measures will be taken to avoid such a situation?

f) If there are multiple reporting authorities, then there is a chance of this position shirking work by telling one of the bosses how the other two have loaded him/her with the work. Who will ensure that this position gets a fair workload?

g) What percentage of the tasks of this position are measurable and not measurable? Will the several reporting authorities design the KRAs for this position, and if yes, will the performance appraisal be conducted by multiple authorities?

h) What are the promotional avenues of this position? There is a risk of this person being dismissed as the "jack of all trades." Because of the unusual designation, is there a risk of this person stagnating at the same level?

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Job Description

We are looking for a Multitask Executive who is adaptable, detail-oriented, and eager to work across multiple roles. This position is ideal for freshers who are willing to learn and take on diverse tasks, including QA testing, annotation work, office administration, and occasional creative design.

Key Responsibilities

✔ Quality Assurance (QA): Perform manual testing on software applications, identify bugs, and report issues.

✔ Annotation Work: Label and annotate datasets for AI/ML models with accuracy and attention to detail.

✔ Office Work: Handle basic administrative tasks, documentation, and coordination.

✔ Creative Design: Assist in simple graphic design tasks, content creation, or presentations when needed.

✔ Multitasking: Be open to learning new skills and assisting in different tasks as required.

Requirements

✅ Bachelor's Degree (Any Stream).

✅ Freshers are welcome; willingness to learn is a must.

✅ Basic understanding of QA/testing, annotation work, and office coordination.

✅ Knowledge of design tools (Canva, Photoshop, or similar) is a plus but not mandatory.

✅ Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

✅ Good communication skills and a proactive attitude.

Monday to Friday
8 hours work per day

So, can the company apply the 'Multitask Executive' designation for this job?

Yes, it's acceptable to use the designation 'Multitask Executive' for an employee serving multiple roles. However, it's important to ensure that this broad designation doesn't lead to confusion or unrealistic expectations of the employee's abilities and responsibilities.

Job Description and Responsibilities
Your job description for the 'Multitask Executive' is clear and well-defined. This is crucial as it outlines the expected tasks and responsibilities for this position, preventing any potential misunderstandings between the employer and the employee. It's essential to continuously review and update this job description as the company's needs change.

Legal Aspects
In terms of legal aspects, using this designation is perfectly fine, as long as the employee's duties and obligations are clearly outlined in their contract. While labor laws may vary from place to place, most don't specify exact job titles, focusing more on the employee's rights and working conditions.

Practical Steps
1. Ensure the job description is clear and aligns with the 'Multitask Executive' designation.
2. Include this job title in the employment contract, along with a detailed description of responsibilities and tasks.
3. Regularly review and update the job description as needed.
4. Ensure the employee understands their roles and responsibilities.
5. Maintain open communication lines with the employee to address any concerns or issues.

Remember, the goal of the designation is to accurately reflect the employee's roles and responsibilities, while also recognizing their contributions to the organization. As long as this is achieved, the specific title used is less important.