Sample Employee Agreements

Sample Employee Agreements: What to Know Before Signing

When starting a new job, you may be asked to sign an employee agreement. This document outlines your job responsibilities and expectations, as well as the rights and obligations of both you and your employer. Understanding what is included in an employee agreement is essential, as it can have long term implications on your career.

To help you navigate this process, we’ve put together a list of key elements commonly found in employee agreements:

1. Job Description: This section outlines your job responsibilities, including job duties, expected work hours, and compensation. It’s important to read this section carefully to ensure that you fully understand what is expected of you.

2. Confidentiality: Many employee agreements include a confidentiality clause that outlines what information you are prohibited from sharing with third parties, such as trade secrets or confidential company information. This clause is especially important for employees who work in industries where proprietary information is a significant component of their job.

3. Non-compete: This clause can limit your ability to work for a competitor or start a competing business for a certain length of time after leaving your current employer. It’s important to understand the implications of a non-compete clause, especially if you plan to work in the same field in the future.

4. Intellectual Property: If your job involves creating intellectual property, such as software, patents or copyrighted work, this section will outline who owns the rights to that work. Make sure you understand who owns the intellectual property, and if you are entitled to any royalties or compensation for any sales or licensing fees.

5. Termination: This section outlines the conditions under which your employment may be terminated, such as misconduct or poor job performance. Make sure you understand what actions could lead to termination, as well as any severance benefits or notice periods that you may be entitled to.

6. Dispute Resolution: This clause outlines what steps you and your employer will take in case of any disputes that arise during your employment. This may include arbitration, mediation, or taking legal action.

Before signing an employee agreement, it’s important to read the document carefully and ask any questions you may have. If you are uncertain about any of the terms or clauses, seek the advice of an attorney. Remember, an employee agreement establishes the foundation for your employment relationship, and it’s important to start off on the right foot.