Which of the following is an example of an essential job function?

• A. Casual tasks not part of core job
• B. Primary duties of a person
• C. A vacation policy
• D. Dress code

Answer: (B)

An essential job function is a core duty that defines why a role exists—the main tasks the worker must be able to perform as part of the job, even with reasonable accommodation. In this sense, only the primary duties of a person describe the essential functions. They are the tasks that, if removed or significantly altered, would change the nature of the job itself.

The other options are not essential functions because they describe policies or non-core activities: casual tasks not part of the core job are incidental work, not duties essential to the role; a vacation policy is about time off, and a dress code is about appearance, not the job’s actual tasks.