Employment Contract template

Free employment contract template

An employment contract is a formal agreement between an employer and employee that outlines the terms of employment, including duties, salary, benefits, and other essential details. This contract helps protect both parties by clearly defining the expectations and obligations of each. 

Docusign’s employment contract template is a free and fillable agreement that includes all necessary fields you’d expect from a standard agreement of employment. It’s one that you easily populate and edit online according to your specifics of the job including title, compensation, and employment terms. After you fill out the contract, you can download, print, or send it digitally for signatures. All you need is a free Docusign account. 

A clear employment contract sets the right expectations for both employer and the new hire, as well as ensures legal security. Using the template with Docusign streamlines the entire process, from creation to getting the terms agreed via eSiganture and securely documented. Get started with Docusign today to formalize your agreements with confidence and efficiency.

What is an employment contract?

An employment contract is a legally enforceable agreement between an employer and an employee that outlines the terms and conditions of employment. This includes details such as job responsibilities, salary, benefits, duration, confidentiality obligations, and grounds for termination. Employment contracts help clarify expectations and protect both parties, ensuring compliance with labor laws.

When do you need an employment contract?

Different types of employment contracts are recommended when:

• Hiring for full-time, part-time, or contract roles that require formalized terms

• The job involves sensitive information or intellectual property requiring confidentiality clauses

• You want to clearly define termination terms, benefits, and dispute resolution procedures

Using an employment contract minimizes misunderstandings and legal risks by documenting agreed-upon employment terms.

What’s included in an employment contract?

To be valid and enforceable, an employment contract should generally include the following elements:

• Identification of parties: Full legal names and addresses of both the employer and employee.

• Job title and duties: A clear description of the position and responsibilities.

• Compensation: Details of salary or wages, pay frequency, and any applicable deductions.

• Start date: The date when employment begins.

• Work hours: Expected work hours per week or schedule.

• Termination conditions and procedures: How either party can end the employment relationship, including required notice periods.

• Governing law: The jurisdiction whose laws apply to the agreement.

• Signatures: Signatures of both parties and the date of signing.

Additional (optional) clauses

Additional clauses may be included to address specific needs or protect business interests, such as:

• Probationary period: An initial period for evaluating suitability.

• Benefits: Eligibility for health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, etc.

• Confidentiality: Protection of sensitive business information.

• Intellectual property: Ownership of work created during employment.

• Non-compete and non-solicitation: Restrictions on working for competitors or soliciting clients/employees after leaving (enforceability varies by jurisdiction).

• Reference to employer policies: Agreement to follow company policies and procedures.

• Amendment process: How changes to the contract must be made.

• Severability: Ensuring the rest of the agreement remains valid if one part is found invalid.