Collateral duties are tasks undertaken by employees outside of their regular roles or responsibilities. In a business context, collateral duties refer to all add-on extra services provided by a service provider to a client that are generally not within the scope of services or Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between the two but are essential to increase the effectiveness of the business.
Various types of collateral duties are widespread in most businesses with more than a few employees, whether they be offices, factories, or retail stores.
Collateral responsibilities are a significant aspect of defence, such as the Navy. Disaster preparedness coordinator, community service program coordinator, training coordinator, blood donor coordinator, Marine Corps relief coordinator, etc., are some of the common Collateral Duties in the Navy.
Military people undertaking additional activities can lessen the demand for non-service persons, making the service more efficient, and alleviating the problem of non-service personnel refusing or unable to work in specific regions.
Collateral duties are not just limited to Defence services; even corporates deliberately involve their employees in collateral duties. For example, Google, the tech giant, lets its engineers spend 20% of their time working on projects of their choice, which motivates employers to learn and eliminate the boredom of regular roles and responsibilities.
Benefits of Collateral Duties
Many would believe that there is no use in investing time in Collateral duties, but trust these duties come with benefits for both employer and employees.
Here is how you are benefitted from Collateral duties:
Cost-saving
For the employer, the responsibilities allow them to get the work done with little or no additional expense. Of course, they will be utilizing their own staff for the collateral duties.
Source of Extra Earning
On the other hand, employees may benefit from increased remuneration as well as the opportunity to receive training and gain new skills and experience as a result of their new responsibilities.
Value Add To Your Resume
You will be a natural contender for the next internal (or external) opportunity that comes your way if you seek the extra duties to expand your value to the organization and strengthen your resume qualities.
Great Way to Learn & Grow
Remember that companies promote people who are willing to take on new tasks. No company promotes workers who complain about not being paid when they're required to execute a collateral duty.
Eliminate Boredom
Stress and boredom are an inevitable part of jobs that employees do on a regular basis. However, performing tasks other than their regular jobs eliminates boredom and helps employees to stay motivated.
Better Career Options
If your collateral duties necessitate additional knowledge, independent decision-making, and accountability for results. In that case, you may be eligible for a new job description, higher salary, and possibly a new title.
Summing up, collateral duties are beneficial for both employers and employees. As both of them get something in return.
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