Free doc (Word) and pdf employment contract template suitable for any industry and essential when hiring new employees for your business.
The employment contract outlines the basics such as benefits and salary information as well as provisions to protect the employer.
This employment agreement includes the standard provisions plus a confidentiality agreement. The major sections of this contract include: wage information, benefits, best efforts and compensation, at-will and termination, and confidentiality.
Also known as a Contract of Employment, Employment Agreement and Employee Contract.
What is an employment contract template?
An employment contract template is a legally binding document that sets the conditions between an employer and the employee. It has the key terms and conditions of an employment relationship. The employment contract (or employment agreement) outlines the rules and responsibilities for both the employer and employee.
Whether you're hiring an independent contractor or a full-time, salaried employee, the employee and employer need to have this contract in place.
Here is what an employment contract should include, regardless of the type of employment:
- Job responsibilities (scope of work)
- Salary or compensation
- Work schedule (how many hours per week or month the employee shall perform their duties)
- Duration of employment (start and end date)
- Termination terms (when the agreement may be terminated by either party)
- Benefits (health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other types of perks)
- Confidentiality and non-compete clause (which confidential information the employee should not disclose, e.g. trade secrets, company policies)
- Probationary period (the part of the free employment contract template that states how long the probation lasts)
- Dispute resolution (in case something goes wrong, who is in charge of mediation)
- Code of conduct (how the employee should behave, e.g. by the employee handbook that both parties agree on using)
Our agreement template is free and covers all the duties and responsibilities of both parties. Once signed by both parties, the agreement should be legally binding.
Frequently asked questions
Why is an employment contract template important?
With the contract, the employer and the employee agree on mutually binding terms of employment, such as the job title, working hours, benefits and more. In case things go wrong, the entire agreement outlines the rules and rights for both parties.
Is an employment contract mandatory?
With a contract in place, the employment agreement is governed by laws. This means that if something does not go according to plan, both parties have an institution that can protect them.
Is a verbal agreement legally binding?
A verbal agreement is not governed by laws. And even worse, you can't hire an employee based on what someone has said. It's not recommended to use verbal agreements.
