There are several responsibilities of an employee that you have to follow. These responsibilities are outlined in your employment contract, in the Swedish Work Environment Act, and other potential agreements. It’s important to follow the rules to allow your employer to create a safe and efficient work environment for all employees.
Some of the most important responsibilities of an employee
Perform tasks according to your contract
You’re required to perform your tasks as specified in your contract. This means you have to follow the guidelines and instructions provided by your employer. If you refuse tasks without a valid reason, it can be seen as refusal to work, which can lead to warnings, and in serious cases even termination.
Follow workplace rules and guidelines
Most workplaces have rules and guidelines that employees have to follow. This can include safety regulations, dress codes, or rules regarding work hours. If you violate these rules, especially the ones related to safety, it can negatively impact both you and your colleagues and lead to disciplinary actions.
Difficulty in cooperation
Cooperation difficulties in the workplace, if severe, can lead to termination. However, it’s important that the ability to cooperate is essential for the job and that your tasks cannot be completed without effective teamwork. In cases of cooperation issues, the employer has to first investigate the problems and attempt to find a solution, such as through reassignment or mediation between employees. The employer’s responsibility to resolve the situation can vary depending on the size and resources of the company.
Disloyal behavior
An employee is also obliged to remain loyal to their employer. This means that you, as an employee, shouldn’t compete with your employer’s business or spread falsehoods or damage their reputation. The higher the position you hold in the workplace, the greater the expectation for loyalty. At the same time, there are protections for whistleblowers under the Whistleblower Act, meaning that reporting misconduct at your workplace isn’t considered disloyalty.
Attendance and punctuality
It’s your responsibility to arrive on time and be present during work hours unless otherwise agreed upon. Repeated absenteeism or tardiness without a valid reason can lead to warnings and deductions in pay. In the worst-case scenario, it can even result in dismissal if it becomes a recurring issue.
Follow occupational health and safety regulations
According to the Swedish Work Environment Act, all employees are required to follow safety regulations and use the appropriate protective equipment to make sure that the workplace remains safe. If you don’t follow these rules, you risk not only your own safety but also the safety of your colleagues. This can lead to both disciplinary and legal actions.
Confidentiality
If your employer requires confidentiality regarding trade secrets or sensitive information, you’re obligated to respect that. Breaching confidentiality can lead to legal and financial consequences.
Responsibilities of an employee during the notice period
If you resign or are terminated, you have to work throughout your notice period. The length of your notice period should be stated in your employment contract and can vary depending on how long you’ve been employed or what’s stated in the collective agreement. During the notice period, you have the same obligations as usual to work and contribute to the business. If you don’t work during the notice period, the employer can deduct pay and, in some cases, demand financial compensation for lost labor.
Consequences of not following your responsibilities as an employee
Warnings
If you breach your responsibilities, it’s common for the employer to first issue a verbal or written warning. This gives you the chance to correct what’s gone wrong.
Deductions in pay
If you’ve breached your responsibilities repeatedly without a valid reason, your employer can make deductions from your pay for the time you haven’t worked.
Reassignment
In some cases, an employer can choose to reassign you to different tasks if it would lead to improved performance.
Termination or dismissal
For repeated or serious breaches of the employer’s rules, the employer could choose to terminate or dismiss you. In the case of dismissal, your employment ends immediately without a notice period.
Legal consequences
If you violate confidentiality rules, workplace safety regulations, or other legally mandated responsibilities, it can lead to consequences such as fines or, in the worst case, imprisonment. That’s why it’s important that you understand and comply with the requirements your employer sets for you. Of course, this only applies as long as the requirements are reasonable and necessary for you to perform your job.
