What term describes the job tasks that are critical to a job's function?

The term that describes the job tasks that are critical to a job's function is "essential functions." This terminology is particularly relevant in the context of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under the ADA, essential functions refer to the fundamental job duties that an employee must be able to perform, either with or without reasonable accommodation. Identifying these functions helps employers determine the necessary job qualifications and assess whether an individual with a disability can fulfill the role, ensuring that individuals are not unfairly excluded from opportunities.

While "job duties," "mission-critical tasks," and "core responsibilities" may all intuitively suggest important aspects of a job, they do not carry the same specific legal implications as essential functions. Job duties can encompass a wide range of tasks, not all of which may be critical for the job's primary purpose. Mission-critical tasks typically refer to those tasks essential to the operational success of an organization but may not align with individual job descriptions. Core responsibilities, although potentially important, also lack the legal specificity and established framework associated with essential functions as defined by employment laws and regulations.