Many workplace disagreements are not about what the contract says. They are about what each side understood when the job began. A short, clear set of written terms, agreed before the first day, answers most of those questions in advance.
The role and who it reports to
Describe the position, its main responsibilities and the person the employee reports to. A job title alone leaves room for different expectations on each side.
Pay and benefits, exactly
State the salary, how and when it is paid, and how bonuses, allowances and other benefits work, including any conditions attached to them. Anything described as "discretionary" should be described as such.
Working time and place
Set out the usual hours, the place of work, and whether remote or flexible arrangements apply. If travel or work outside normal hours is expected, mention it.
A trial period, notice and the end of the relationship
Explain whether there is a probation period and how long it lasts, what notice each side must give, and what happens to unused leave and company property when the job ends.
Confidentiality and company materials
Say what information is confidential and who owns the work produced during the job. Both are simpler to agree at the start than to argue about later.
Changes in writing
Agree that changes to the terms are recorded in writing and signed. Promotions and pay reviews are the usual moments when informal understandings begin to drift.
If the employee is joining from abroad, check the requirements for permits and documents before the start date, not after it.
This article offers general information only. It is not legal advice, and the right answer depends on the facts of each case.
