Maintaining strong relationships with employees is one of the most critical aspects of an Iowa business’s long-term success. Employees bear the immense responsibility of maintaining day-to-day operations in the company, and regardless of their individual roles, your company will benefit from taking steps to protect this relationship as much as possible. One simple way your company can accomplish this is through strong and thoughtful employment contracts.
If your business does not already use employment contracts with your employees, this is something to take into consideration. These contracts can provide protection for your business and each employee, regardless of the specific role of the employee and the nature of your operations. Good employment contracts can reduce complications and provide peace of mind for everyone.
What should be in your contracts?
There is no cookie-cutter employment contract that will work for every type of business. You will want to custom-tailor your employment contracts to make the most sense for your business and your employees. With that said, the following details may be important in every type of employment agreement:
- Base salary for the employee, as well as bonuses and other compensation
- Term of employment for that specific role
- Health insurance and paid time off for sickness and medical needs
- Vacation policy and how to request personal days
- Expectations for the employee, including job requirements
- Expectations for post-employment concerns, such as a non-compete clause
The best employment contract for your business depends on your individual concerns and the goals you have for your company. When creating an agreement, you will benefit from looking at the potential long-term goals for your employees and what is necessary for your business’s long-term success. The more detailed and clear your employment contracts, the less likely it will be that you experience complications or a dispute with an employee.
Shielding your business interests
The intent of employment contracts is to shield the interests of a business and provide protection for the employee. You may find that a carefully crafted employment contract leads to better relationships with employees as expectations, rights and responsibilities are clear. Clarity is important in these agreements, as is the inclusion of terms that are reasonable and enforceable. If you are unsure of what you need in your agreement, you may benefit from an assessment of your case and explanation of the legal options available to you.