työkuva

Työkuva is a written description of a specific position within an organization, outlining the purpose of the role, the main duties, responsibilities, required qualifications, and how the position fits into the organizational structure. In practice, terminology varies and the term työnkuva is often used interchangeably, but both aim to describe what the job entails.

The primary purpose of a työkuva is to clarify expectations for both the employee and the supervisor. It supports recruitment and onboarding, guides performance evaluation and development planning, and informs decisions related to workload, compensation, and career progression. A clear työkuva helps ensure consistency and transparency in how roles are understood and managed.

A typical työkuva covers several elements: the job title and department; the overall purpose or summary of the role; main tasks and responsibilities; decision-making authority and reporting lines; required qualifications, education, experience, and key competencies; working conditions, location, hours, and any travel; collaboration and interfaces with other roles; performance indicators or success criteria; and opportunities for training or development. It may also reference applicable terms from collective agreements or organizational policies.

Creation and maintenance of a työkuva are usually the responsibility of human resources in collaboration with the supervisor and, when possible, the employee. It should be reviewed periodically and updated whenever duties or organizational priorities change. Legal considerations include preventing discrimination and ensuring privacy and data protection in line with applicable laws.

In practice, työkuva serves as a foundation for job design, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and organizational alignment.