In the current climate where employees are gaining increasing power to file claims against employers for perceived wrongdoing, it is important that employers protect themselves even before the person starts the job. In a professional atmosphere, having that protection goes beyond hiring the best possible candidate in an aboveboard and fair way. It includes crafting a comprehensive contract that will address the potential issues before they arise. This is where it is important to have legal advice from a law firm that specializes in these contracts and agreements.
Written contracts are critical to detail a variety of aspects of the job. That includes what is required and expected on the part of the employee, how much he or she will be compensated and what severance will be provided in the event it is necessary. Also, there are generally restrictions with certain areas of the job. For example, if there is a plan or a creation that could be used by other businesses, having a confidentiality agreement can stop the employee from using what he or she knows and causing immeasurable and irreparable harm to the former company.
There are many areas that employers should factor in when making a hire and detailing the duties and requirements of the job. That includes: what the job is and its responsibilities; how much the employee will be compensated not just in pay, but in benefits; if there are performance benchmarks; if the worker will be covered for relocation costs; how long the employment is set to last and if there are contract renewals and buyouts; what the cause for dismissal might be; confidentiality agreements; arbitration; mediation; severance and more.
When hiring a new employee, the employer is not overtly thinking in the worst-case scenario and needing to go to the employee handbooks, contracts and considering employment law when the employee is dismissed. However, being protected is vital. A law firm that handles employment law for employers can be a key cog in crafting these contracts and should be contacted as soon as possible to be fully shielded against all eventualities.
