What Should Be Included in an Employee’s Contract?

Given the increased mobility of employees in today’s job market, employers frequently utilize employment contracts to set forth the material terms of employment for their employees. 

Essential Elements to Include in an Employee’s Contract 

An employment contract serves as a legally binding agreement between the employer and the employee, outlining the terms and conditions of the employment relationship. A well-drafted employment contract should include the following essential terms. 

Employee Responsibilities 

An employment contract should describe the employee’s duties and responsibilities. By including the employee’s responsibilities in the contract, both parties can have a clear understanding of the job expectations and duties. This helps prevent any misunderstandings or disputes regarding the scope of work or job requirements. It also provides a reference point for evaluating an employee’s performance and holding them accountable for their responsibilities.

Benefits and Compensation

Benefits and compensation are crucial elements that should be included in an employment contract. By including benefits and compensation details in the employment contract, both parties have a clear understanding of the financial aspects of the employment relationship. This helps avoid misunderstandings or disputes regarding salary, bonuses, allowances, and other monetary considerations.

The compensation section of the contract typically includes the employee’s base salary or hourly rate, payment frequency, and any additional compensation structures such as commissions, incentives, or profit-sharing arrangements. It may also outline any salary adjustments, performance reviews, and potential bonuses.

In addition to compensation, the contract should outline the benefits and perks provided by the employer. This can include information about health insurance, retirement plans, stock options, flexible work arrangements, and any other benefits that the employee is entitled to receive.

Time-Off Policies 

Time off, including vacation, sick leave, and other types of leave, should be included in an employment contract. By including time off provisions in the employment contract, both parties have a mutual understanding of the employee’s entitlement to various types of leave and the process for requesting and taking time off. This helps create a transparent and fair work environment.

The contract should specify the amount of annual vacation time or paid time off (PTO) the employee is entitled to and any rules or restrictions surrounding its usage. It may also include details about sick leave and/or other types of authorized absences.

In addition to the amount of time off, the contract should outline the process for requesting and scheduling time off, including any notice requirements or approval procedures. It may also cover aspects such as carry-over of unused time off, the accrual of vacation days, or any limitations on taking time off during busy periods.

Termination and Notice Period 

Termination and notice period provisions should be included in an employment contract.  The termination section of the contract outlines the circumstances under which employment can be terminated, such as resignation, termination with cause, or termination without cause. It may also include information on the procedures to be followed in case of termination, including any required notice periods.

The notice period is the period of time that either the employer or the employee must give to terminate the employment relationship. It allows both parties to plan and make necessary arrangements for the transition. The contract should specify the length of the notice period, whether it is the same for both parties or different, and any conditions or exceptions that may apply.

Including termination and notice period provisions in the employment contract helps protect the rights of both the employer and the employee and promotes fairness and clarity in the termination process. It provides a clear framework for ending the employment relationship and minimizes potential disputes or confusion that may arise in such situations.

Additional Elements to Consider 

Additional elements to consider included in an Employment Agreement are post-employment restrictions such as confidentiality, non-solicitation, and non-compete obligations as well as a non-disparagement provision. In addition, all employment agreements should include a provision specifying the governing law and choice of venue in the event of a dispute between the parties. Furthermore, employment agreements should include an integration provision that states that the written agreement between the parties supersedes any prior agreements between the parties, including any written or oral agreements.  

A New Jersey Employment Law Attorney Can Help With Employee Contracts 

With the vast array of laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern New Jersey employers, it is important for employers to have dependable, responsive, and reliable legal counsel. CMS Employment Attorneys are here to assist employers navigate through complex legal issues involving their personnel, including providing assistance with the drafting of employment agreements as well as providing employers with legal counseling pertaining to the same.  If you need any assistance with employment-related agreements, please contact Curcio Mirzaian Sirot LLC.