Why Should I Get a Signed Agreement for Employment?

Employee agreements can help individuals have secure job positions.

Working for an employer generates paperwork. One important document is an employment agreement, which typically outlines specific features about the employee's position, including wages, benefits and other items. This alleviates misunderstandings and protects you if you are relocating to take the job.

Facts

An employment agreement may or may not be an official contract. Non-official contracts state the responsibilities and expectations of the employee along with the job's benefits. Employment contracts will require employees to stay employed at the company for a period of time.

Features

A signed agreement allows employees to receive in writing terms relating to compensation and benefits. The agreement might also contain an employment-at-will clause, indicating the employer or employee can cancel the agreement at anytime with no penalties.

Benefits

Employee agreements benefit employees because the employer cannot make alterations to compensation or benefits without violating the agreement. If you are not in an employment at-will state, this also ensures that the company must have cause to fire the employee through performance rather than simply dismissing the individual.

References

• NOLO: Employment At Will: What Does It Mean?
• Malcomson Law: The Importance of Employment Contracts