Employment Contract

An Employment Contract is a formal agreement between an employer and an employee that clearly defines the terms and conditions of employment. It establishes the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of both parties, providing legal clarity and ensuring mutual understanding throughout the employment relationship.

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INTRODUCTION

What is an employment contract?

Every savvy entrepreneur knows that robust HR documentation is essential—and at the core of this is the employment contract. This vital legal document safeguards both employer and employee by clearly outlining the terms of their professional relationship.

An employment contract functions as a mutual agreement, specifying expectations, responsibilities, and rights. By defining clear boundaries for both parties, it fosters trust and reduces the chances of misunderstandings.

From detailing the employee’s role, responsibilities, and compensation to covering tenure, termination, and workplace policies, the employment contract forms the backbone of HR best practices. It not only strengthens internal governance but also provides a structured framework to resolve potential disputes professionally and efficiently.

Advantages of having an Employment Contract

Defines employee’s position

Employees gain clarity on their rights and obligations from day one, as the contract explicitly defines key aspects such as leave entitlements, eligibility for increments, and other workplace benefits.

Protects IP and confidential information

The organization’s intellectual property is safeguarded against infringement, while confidential information is protected from unauthorized disclosure.

Conflict Settlement

In case of any dispute, both the employer and employee can refer to the employment contract to review the agreed terms, enabling a faster and more structured resolution.

Acts as proof​

Since verbal agreements are hard to prove, an employment contract serves as documented evidence that is legally admissible in court.

What key provisions should an Employment Contract include?

General Terms and Conditions

An employment contract should clearly outline the employee’s roles and responsibilities within the organization. It must also specify key details such as the date of joining, designation or position, annual CTC/remuneration, working days, and working hours.

Probationary Period

Including a probationary period in the employment contract allows both the employer and the employee to assess the suitability of the engagement. During this period—typically ranging from 3 to 6 months—either party can terminate the employment if the arrangement is not a good fit.

Cost to Company ​

The compensation clause is one of the most critical sections of the employment contract, as employees are primarily concerned with it. It should clearly specify the mode and frequency of payment, any applicable deductions, and the net remuneration that the employee will receive.

Intellectual Property Rights

The intellectual property (IP) clause addresses any ideas, inventions, or creations an employee develops during their tenure. It should clearly define ownership rights, typically assigning all IP created in the course of employment to the organization, ensuring protection of the company’s proprietary assets.

Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation

The non-compete clause protects the organization by restricting employees from engaging in competing businesses immediately after their employment ends. It ensures that employees do not solicit clients, customers, or misuse proprietary information to gain an unfair advantage, thereby safeguarding the company’s commercial interests.

Termination

The employment contract should clearly specify the conditions under which either party may terminate the agreement. It must outline scenarios for termination with or without cause and include the required notice period, ensuring both employer and employee understand their rights and obligations in ending the employment relationship.

Confidentiality

Confidential and proprietary information is a valuable asset developed by an organization over years of effort and practice. The employment contract should clearly define what constitutes confidential information and outline the circumstances under which it may be disclosed. To further safeguard sensitive data, organizations may also have employees sign a separate Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all companies have an employment contract since it is not mandated by law. However, it is advisable to have one to define the rights and duties of both parties and to avoid any conflicts in the future.

Employment contracts are usually signed by the employees on their joining date. Prior to assigning them to their desk, you can complete all the HR formalities. 

Any organization these days does not hire an employee if he/she refuses to sign an employment contract. While it is not mandated by law, it is a mandatory formality of any hiring organization. 

  1. a) Employer’s contribution: A sum equal to 4.75% of the wages payable to an employee, rounded off to the next higher rupee
    b) Employee’s contribution: A sum equal to 1.75% of the wages payable to an employee, rounded to the next higher rYes, an employment contract forms a legally binding agreement and is therefore enforceable in a court of law. If there is any breach, one can approach the relevant court/forum for the resolution of disputes.upee;

    In compliance with the Notification published in the Gazette of India dated 6.10.2016, the rates of employer’s and employee contribution for the initial twenty-four months from the date of implementation of the Act are subject to the following:-

    (a) Employer’s contribution – A sum (rounded to the next higher rupee) equal to 3% of the wages payable to an employee; and
    (b) Employee’s contribution – A sum (rounded to the next higher rupee) equal to 1% of the wages payable to an employee.

  1. There is no need to notarize an employment contract. However, you can have your employment contract printed on a stamp paper of the relevant amount. Stamp duty payable will depend on the state you reside in. 
  1. Contracts become a legally binding documents once signed. It is therefore important to involve a lawyer to draft or review the terms of the employment contract. A Lawyer will ensure that the employment contract is fair and legally enforceable. 
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All we need from you is the name of your organization and detailed commercials you want to incorporate into your contract with employees. We can also create a custom employment contract that you can use with all employees of your organization from time to time by simply changing a few commercials.

Why Choose submitreturn.com ?

Drafting an employment contract can be an easy process with submitreturn.com  as our experienced lawyers guarantee the greatest level of client satisfaction and prompt service. The entire procedure is administered and conducted online, with constant expert support and communication. Our customers range from all geographic locations in India.

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