[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":524},["ShallowReactive",2],{"document-employment-agreement_at-will-employee-D541":3},{"document":4,"label":26,"preview":11,"thumb":27,"thumb600":28,"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"apiDescription":5,"pages":8,"extension":10,"parents":29,"breadcrumb":33,"related":39,"customDescModule":177,"customdescription":6,"mdFm":178,"mdProseHtml":523},{"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":7,"pages":8,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":11,"thumb":12,"svgFrame":13,"seoMetadata":14,"parents":16,"keywords":15},"EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - AT WILL EMPLOYEE This Employment Agreement for \"At Will\" Employee (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective this [DATE], BETWEEN: [EMPLOYEE NAME] (the \"Employee\"), an individual with his main address at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Corporation\"), an entity organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] RECITALS In consideration of the covenants and agreements herein contained and the moneys to be paid hereunder, the Corporation hereby employs the Employee and the Employee hereby agrees to perform services as an employee of the Corporation, on an \"at will\" basis, upon the following terms and conditions: APPOINTMENT The Employee is hereby employed by the Corporation to render such services and to perform such tasks as may be assigned by the Corporation. The Corporation may, in its sole discretion, increase or reduce the duties, or modify the title and job description, of the Employee from time to time, and any such increase, reduction or modification shall not be deemed a termination of this Agreement. ACCEPTANCE OF EMPLOYMENT Employee accepts employment with the Corporation upon the terms set forth above and agrees to devote all Employee's time, energy and ability to the interests of the Corporation, and to perform Employee's duties in an efficient, trustworthy and business-like manner. DEVOTION OF TIME TO EMPLOYMENT The Employee shall devote the Employee's best efforts and substantially all of the Employee's working time to performing the duties on behalf of the Corporation. The Employee shall provide services during the hours that are scheduled by the Corporation management. The Employee shall be prompt in reporting to work at the assigned time. NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST Employee shall not engage in any other business while employed by the Corporation. Employee shall not engage in any activity that conflicts with the Employees duties to the Corporation. Employee shall not provide any service or lend any aid or assistance to any party that competes with the services offered by the Corporation. Employee shall not provide any services to clients or prospective clients of the Corporation outside of the provision of services for the Corporation, whether such services are provided with or without compensation or remuneration. CORPORATION PROPERTY Employee acknowledges and agrees that while employed by the Corporation the Employee may be provided with use of computer equipment and other property of the Corporation. The use and possession of the such items shall be subject to any policies, requirements or restrictions established by the Corporation. Such items may only be used in performance of the Employee's duties for the corporation. On request of the Corporation, the Employee shall immediately deliver any such items to the Corporation. Upon termination of employment, Employee shall have the affirmative duty to return any such item to the Corporation whether a request is made or not. The obligation to return Corporation property shall extend and include any and all work product, client property, proprietary rights, intangible property, and all other property of the corporation regardless of the form or medium. COMPENSATION The Corporation shall pay the Employee such hourly compensation as determined by the Corporation. Payment shall be at the same time as the Corporations usual payroll to other employees. BONUS & BENEFITS Payment of any bonuses shall be at the complete discretion of the Corporation. No guarantee or representation that any bonuses will be paid has been made to the Employee. Standard benefits that are provided to other non-management employees shall be offered to the Employee, subject to the Corporation's policies and the terms and conditions of such benefits. WITHHOLDING All sums payable to Employee under this Agreement will be reduced by all federal, state, local, and other withholdings and similar taxes and payments required by applicable law. QUALIFICATIONS OF EMPLOYEE The employee shall satisfy all of the qualification that are established by the Corporation. TERM OF AGREEMENT There shall be no guaranteed term of employment. Employer acknowledges and agrees that Employee shall be an \"At Will\" Employee and that Employee's employment may be terminated at any time by the Corporation, with or without cause. FEES FROM EMPLOYEE'S WORK The Corporation shall have exclusive authority to determine the fees, or a procedure for establishing the fees, to be charged to clients by the Corporation for services that are provided by the Employee. All sums paid to the Employee or the Corporation in the way of fees, in cash or in kind, or otherwise for services of the Employee, shall, except as otherwise specifically agreed by the Corporation, be and remain the property of the Corporation and shall be included in the Corporation's name in such checking account or accounts as the Corporation may from time to time designate. CLIENTS AND CLIENT RECORDS The Corporation shall have the authority to determine who will be accepted as clients of the Corporation, and the Employee recognizes that such clients accepted are clients of the Corporation and not the Employee. All client records and files of any type concerning clients of the Corporation shall belong to and remain the property of the Corporation, notwithstanding the subsequent termination of the employment. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Corporation shall have the authority to establish from time to time the policies and procedures to be followed by the Employee in performing services for the Corporation. This may include, but is not necessarily limited to, employment policies, computer use policies, Internet access policies, email policies, and all other policies, procedures, directives, and mandates established by the Corporation, whether or not in written form or formally adopted. Employee shall abide by the provisions of any contract entered into by the Corporation under which the Employee provides services. Employee shall comply with the terms and conditions of any and all contracts entered by the Corporation. TERMINATION Employee acknowledges and agrees that Employee is an \"at will\" employee of the Corporation. As such, no term of employment is created hereby and employee may be terminated at any time in the sole discretion of the Corporation, whether there exists any cause for termination or not. CREATIONS AND INVENTIONS Employee acknowledges and agrees that any and all work product of the Employee that is conceived or created during the Employee's employment with the Corporation is the exclusive property of the Corporation. This shall include any and all copyrights, trade secrets, confidential information, patents, trademarks, trade dress, ideas, concepts, plans, business plans, business concepts, techniques, inventions, drawings, artwork, logos, graphics, web pages, databases, software, programs, CGI's, plug ins, applications, brochures, inventions, marketing plans and concepts, and all other ideas and work product of the Employee. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that all creations shall be \"works made for hire\" as defined in the [ACT OR CODE]. Notwithstanding the fact that this material may be considered to be a work made for hire, Employee agrees, during Employee's employment and thereafter, which covenant shall survive any termination of the employment relationship, to execute any and all documents requested by the Corporation to confirm the Corporation's ownership and control of all such material, including but not limited to assignments of copyright, confirmations of work for hire status, waivers of proprietary rights, copyright application, and any other documents requested by Corporation. 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[Company name] is excited to offer you the position of [job title] with an expected start date of [day, month, year] at a starting salary of [dollar amount] per [hour, year, etc.]. You can expect to receive payment [weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc.], starting on [date of first pay period]. We must wrap up a few more formalities, including the successful completion of your [background check, drug screening, reference check, etc.]. As the [job title], you will report to [manager/supervisor name and title] at [workplace location] from [hours of day, days of week]","Job Offer Letter Long","1","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/job-offer-letter-long-D12769.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12769.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12769.xml",{"title":96,"description":6},"job offer letter long",[98,100],{"label":18,"url":99},"human-resources",{"label":21,"url":101},"hire-employee","/template/job-offer-letter-long-D12769",{"description":104,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":105,"pages":106,"size":107,"extension":10,"preview":108,"thumb":109,"svgFrame":110,"seoMetadata":111,"parents":112,"keywords":117,"url":118},"EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR AN EXECUTIVE This Employment Agreement for an Executive (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective this [Date], BETWEEN: [EXECUTIVE NAME] (the \"Executive\"), an individual with his main address at: AND: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), an entity organized and existing under the laws of the [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: Recitals In consideration of the covenants and agreements herein contained and the moneys to be paid hereunder, the Company hereby employs the Executive and the Executive hereby agrees to perform services as an Executive of the Company, upon the following terms and conditions: TERM The Company hereby employs Executive to serve as [position] and to serve in such additional or different position or positions as the Company may determine in its sole discretion. The term of employment shall be for a period of [NUMBER] years (\"Employment Period\") to commence on [DATE], unless earlier terminated as set forth herein. The effective date of this Agreement shall be the date first set forth above, and it shall continue in effect until the earlier of: The effective date of any subsequent employment agreement between the Company and the Executive; The effective date of any termination of employment as provided elsewhere herein; or [NUMBER] year(s) from the effective date hereof, provided, that this Employment Agreement shall automatically renew for successive periods of [NUMBER] years each unless either party gives written notice to other that it does not wish to automatically renew this Agreement, which written notice must be received by the other party no less than [NUMBER] days and no more than [NUMBER] days prior to the expiration of the applicable term. Duties and Responsibilities Executive will be reporting to [IDENTIFY]. Within the limitations established by the By-laws of the Company, the Executive shall have each and all of the duties and responsibilities of that position and such other or different duties on behalf of the Company, as may be assigned from time to time by [identify what person or body may assign additional responsibilities]. Location The initial principal location at which Executive shall perform services for the Company shall be [location]. Acceptance of Employment Executive accepts employment with the Company upon the terms set forth above and agrees to devote all Executive's time, energy and ability to the interests of the Company, and to perform Executive's duties in an efficient, trustworthy and business-like manner. Devotion of Time to Employment The Executive shall devote the Executive's best efforts and substantially all of the Executive's working time to performing the duties on behalf of the Company. The Executive shall provide services during the normal business hours of the Company as determined by the Company. Reasonable amounts of time may be allotted to personal or outside business, charitable and professional activities and shall not constitute a violation of this Agreement provided such activities do not materially interfere with the services required to be rendered hereunder. QUALIFICATIONS The Executive shall, as a condition of this Agreement, satisfy all of the qualification that are reasonably and in good faith established by the Board of Directors. Compensation Base Salary Executive shall be paid a base salary (\"Base Salary\") at the annual rate of [salary], payable in bi-weekly installments consistent with Company's payroll practices. The annual Base Salary shall be reviewed on or before [DATE] of each year, unless Executive's employment hereunder shall have been terminated earlier pursuant to this Agreement, starting on [agreed upon date] by the Board of Directors of the Company to determine if such Base Salary should be increased for the following year in recognition of services to the Company. In consideration of the services under this Agreement, Executive shall be paid the aggregate of basic compensation, bonus and benefits as hereinafter set forth. Payment Payment of all compensation to Executive hereunder shall be made in accordance with the relevant Company policies in effect from time to time, including normal payroll practices. Bonus From time to time, the Company may pay to Executive a bonus out of net revenues of the Company. Payment of any bonus compensation shall be at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors or the Executive committee of the Board of Directors and the Executive shall have no entitlement to such amount absent a decision by the Company as aforesaid to make such bonus compensation. Executive shall also be entitled to a bonus determined as follows: [DESCRIBE] Benefits The Company shall provide Executive with such benefits as are provided to other senior management Of the Company. Benefits shall include at a minimum (i) paid vacation of [NUMBER] days per year, at such times as approved by the Board of Directors, (ii) health insurance coverage under the same terms as offered to other Executives of the Company, (iii) retirement and profit sharing programs as offered to other Executives of the Company, (iv) paid holidays as per the Company's policies, and (v) such other benefits and perquisites as are approved by the Board of Directors. The Company has the right to modify conditions of participation, terminate any benefit, or change insurance plans and other providers of such benefits in its sole discretion. The Executive shall be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses that are pre-approved by the Company, subject to the Company's policies and procedures therefore, and only for such items that are a necessary and integral part of the Executive's job functions. NonDeductible Compensation In the event a deduction shall be disallowed by the Internal Revenue Service or a court of competent jurisdiction for federal income tax purposes for all or any part of the payment made to Executive by the Company or any other shareholder or Executive of the Company, shall be required by the Internal Revenue Service to pay a deficiency on account of such disallowance, then Executive shall repay to the Company or such other individual required to make such payment, an amount equal to the tax imposed on the disallowed portion of such payment, plus any and all interest and penalties paid with respect thereto. The Company or other party required to make payment shall not be required to defend any proposed disallowance or other action by the Internal Revenue Service or any other state, federal, or local taxing authorities. Withholding All sums payable to Executive under this Agreement will be reduced by all federal, state, local, and other withholdings and similar taxes and payments required by applicable law. Other Employment Benefits Business Expenses Upon submission of itemized expense statements in the manner specified by the Company, Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable travel and other reasonable business expenses duly incurred by Executive in the performance of his duties under this Agreement. Benefit Plans Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company's medical and dental plans, life and disability insurance plans and retirement plans pursuant to their terms and conditions. Executive shall be entitled to participate in any other benefit plan offered by the Company to its Executives during the term of this Agreement (other than stock option or stock incentive plans, which are governed by Section 3(d) below). Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the Company or any affiliate of the Company from terminating or amending any Executive benefit plan or program from time to time. Vacation Executive shall be entitled to [agreed upon number of time] weeks of vacation each year of full employment, exclusive of legal holidays, as long as the scheduling of Executive's vacation does not interfere with the Company's normal business operations.","Employment Agreement Executive","12",97,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/employment-agreement_executive-D543.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/543.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#543.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[113,114,115],{"label":18,"url":99},{"label":21,"url":101},{"label":24,"url":116},"business-legal-agreements","employment agreement executive","/template/employment-agreement-executive-D543",{"description":120,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":121,"pages":122,"size":123,"extension":10,"preview":124,"thumb":125,"svgFrame":126,"seoMetadata":127,"parents":128,"keywords":132,"url":133},"INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT This Independent Contractor Agreement (\"Agreement\") is made and effective [Date], BETWEEN: [INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR NAME] (the \"Independent Contractor\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] RECITALS Independent Contractor is engaged in providing [Describe] business services, its Employer Tax I.D. Number is [Insert], and its Business License Number is [insert]. Independent Contractor has complied with all Federal, State, and local laws regarding business permits, sales permits, licenses, reporting requirements, tax withholding requirements, and other legal requirements of any kind that may be required to carry out said business and the Scope of Work which is to be performed as an Independent Contractor pursuant to this Agreement. Independent Contractor is or remains open to conducting similar tasks or activities for clients other than the Company and holds themselves out to the public to be a separate business entity. Company desires to engage and contract for the services of the Independent Contractor to perform certain tasks as set forth below. Independent Contractor desires to enter into this Agreement and perform as an independent contractor for the company and is willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth below. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and the mutual promises and conditions contained in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows: TERMS This Agreement shall be effective commencing [Date], and shall continue until terminated at the completion of the Scope of Work which shall occur no later than [Date] or by either party as otherwise provided herein. STATUS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR This Agreement does not constitute a hiring by either party. It is the parties intentions that Independent Contractor shall have an independent contractor status and not be an employee for any purposes, including, but not limited to, [laws]. Independent Contractor shall retain sole and absolute discretion in the manner and means of carrying out their activities and responsibilities under this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be considered or construed to be a partnership or joint venture, and the Company shall not be liable for any obligations incurred by Independent Contractor unless specifically authorized in writing. Independent Contractor shall not act as an agent of the Company, ostensibly or otherwise, nor bind the Company in any manner, unless specifically authorized to do so in writing. TASKS, DUTIES, AND SCOPE OF WORK Independent Contractor agrees to devote as much time, attention, and energy as necessary to complete or achieve the following: [Describe]. The above to be referred to in this Agreement as the \"Scope of Work\". It is expected that the Scope of Work will completed by [Date]. Independent Contractor shall additionally perform any and all tasks and duties associated with the Scope of Work set forth above, including but not limited to, work being performed already or related change orders. Independent Contractor shall not be entitled to engage in any activities which are not expressly set forth by this Agreement. The books and records related to the Scope of Work set forth in this Agreement shall be maintained by the Independent Contractor at the Independent Contractor's principal place of business and open to inspection by Company during regular working hours. Documents to which Company will be entitled to inspect include, but are not limited to, any and all contract documents, change orders/purchase orders and work authorized by Independent Contractor or Company on existing or potential projects related to this Agreement. Independent Contractor shall be responsible to the management and directors of Company, but Independent Contractor will not be required to follow or establish a regular or daily work schedule. Supply all necessary equipment, materials and supplies. Independent Contractor will not rely on the equipment or offices of Company for completion of tasks and duties set forth pursuant to this Agreement. Any advice given Independent Contractors regarding the scope of work shall be considered a suggestion only, not an instruction. Company retains the right to inspect, stop, or alter the work of Independent Contractor to assure its conformity with this Agreement. ASSURANCE OF SERVICES Independent Contractor will assure that the following individuals (the \"Key Employees\") will be available to perform, and will perform, the Services hereunder until they are completed (identify by title and name as applicable): [Name of Key Employee, Title] [Name of Key Employee, Title] The Key Employees may be changed only with the prior written approval of the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. COMPENSATION Independent Contractor shall be entitled to compensation for performing those tasks and duties related to the Scope of Work as follows: [Describe] Such compensation shall become due and payable to Independent Contractor in the following time, place, and manner: [Describe] NOTICE CONCERNING WITHHOLDING OF TAXES Independent Contractor recognizes and understands that it will receive a [specify tax] statement and related tax statements, and will be required to file corporate and/or individual tax returns and to pay taxes in accordance with all provisions of applicable Federal and State law. Independent Contractor hereby promises and agrees to indemnify the Company for any damages or expenses, including attorney's fees, and legal expenses, incurred by the Company as a result of independent contractor's failure to make such required payments. AGREEMENT TO WAIVE RIGHTS TO BENEFITS Independent Contractor hereby waives and foregoes the right to receive any benefits given by Company to its regular employees, including, but not limited to, health benefits, vacation and sick leave benefits, profit sharing plans, etc. This waiver is applicable to all non-salary benefits which might otherwise be found to accrue to the Independent Contractor by virtue of their services to Company, and is effective for the entire duration of Independent Contractor's agreement with Company. This waiver is effective independently of Independent Contractor's employment status as adjudged for taxation purposes or for any other purpose. Neither this Agreement, nor any duties or obligations under this Agreement may be assigned by either party without the consent of the other. TERMINATION This Agreement may be terminated prior to the completion or achievement of the Scope of Work by either party giving [number] days written notice. Such termination shall not prejudice any other remedy to which the terminating party may be entitled, either by law, in equity, or under this Agreement. NON-DISCLOSURE OF TRADE SECRETS, CUSTOMER LISTS AND OTHER PROPRIETARY INFORMATION Independent Contractor agrees not to disclose or communicate, in any manner, either during or after Independent Contractor's agreement with Company, information about Company, its operations, clientele, or any other information, that relate to the business of Company including, but not limited to, the names of its customers, its marketing strategies, operations, or any other information of any kind which would be deemed confidential, a trade secret, a customer list, or other form of proprietary information of Company. Independent Contractor acknowledges that the above information is material and confidential and that it affects the profitability of Company. ","Independent Contractor Agreement","6",62,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/independent-contractor-agreement-D160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#160.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[129],{"label":130,"url":131},"Consultant & Contractors","consulting-contractor-business","independent contractor agreement","/template/independent-contractor-agreement-D160",{"description":135,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":136,"pages":137,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":138,"thumb":139,"svgFrame":140,"seoMetadata":141,"parents":143,"keywords":142,"url":146},"FIXED-TERM AGREEMENT This Fixed-Term Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [COMPANY NAME], (the \"Company\") a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE] with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [EMPLOYEE NAME], (the \"Employee\") an individual with his main address located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] Collectively, the Company and Employee shall be referred to as the \"Parties.\" WHEREAS, the Company has offered employment to the Employee in the capacity of [SPECIFY CAPACITY OF EMPLOYEE] in the Company; WHEREAS, the Employee is desirous of and is willing to be employed by the Company in such capacity; NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows: DEFINITIONS \"Agreement\" and \"this Agreement\" shall mean this Fixed-Term Agreement and all attached annexures and instruments supplemental to or amending, modifying or confirming this Agreement, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. \"Company\" shall have the meaning given to such expression in paragraph 1 of the introduction of the Parties. \"Confidential Information\" includes any trade/business secret, technical knowledge or know-how, financial information, plans, customer lists, pricing policies and procedures, marketing data, research and development data, product data, any formula pattern or compilation of information used in the business of the Company or any clients thereof or their affairs. \"Intellectual Property\" means all intellectual and industrial property and all rights therein, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all inventions (whether patentable or not, and whether or not patent protection has been applied for or granted), improvements, developments, discoveries, proprietary information, trademarks, trademark applications, trade names, websites, Internet domain names, logos, slogans, know-how, trade secrets, processes, designs (whether or not registerable and whether or not design rights subsist in them), works in which copyright may subsist (including computer software and preparatory and design materials therefor). \"Month\" means a calendar month. \"Working Day\" means any day excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays. \"Customer(s)\"/\"Clients\" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, business, or other entity, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, whose existence and business is known to the Employee as a result of the Employee's access to the Company's business information, Confidential Information, customer lists, customer account information or any other source of information the Employee has access to during its employment. TERM This is a Fixed-Term Agreement. This Agreement will commence on [SPECIFY DATE] and will end on [SPECIFY DATE]. FIXED-TERM APPOINTMENT The Company hereby offers appointment to the Employee for a Fixed Term to serve the Company in the capacity of [CAPACITY OF EMPLOYEE], with effect from [SPECIFY DATE] (the \"Effective Date\") until [SPECIFY DATE]. The Company may conduct a background and a medical check on the Employee, who hereby agrees and assents to the aforesaid offer being made subject to the satisfactory completion of the same. The Employee shall perform their duties at [SPECIFY ADDRESS]. The Employee warrants that, by entering into this Agreement and performing obligations hereunder, the Employee will not be in breach of any terms or obligations under any subsisting agreement, written or oral, with any third party. Notice Period. The Employee will be required to give [NUMBER OF MONTHS] months' notice or salary thereof in case the Employee decides to leave the Company's services. In the event of the Employee having any incomplete assignment, the Company will have the discretion to relieve the Employee only at the end of the [NUMBER OF MONTHS] months' notice period. Similarly, the Company can terminate the Employee's services by giving the Employee [NUMBER OF MONTHS] months' notice or salary thereof. The Company may terminate the Employee's services immediately on disciplinary grounds. Standard Office Hours. The Company's core hours of operation are from [OFFICE HOURS]. DUTIES AND POWERS The Employee's job description and general responsibilities shall be as set forth in \"Annexure A\" and shall include such further duties and responsibilities as the Company may delegate from time to time. The roles and duties of the Employee are not limited to the ones listed in Annexure A, and the same can be modified or altered as per the decision of the Company. The Employee shall perform all such duties as may be delegated by the Company and comply with all such directions as the Officers of the Company and/or his/her nominated deputies may from time to time assign or give to the Employee. The Employee shall, during the Term of this Agreement (unless prevented by ill health or accident or as otherwise agreed by the Company in writing), devote his time and attention and abilities to the employment with the Company and shall use best endeavours to promote and protect the Company's general interests and welfare. The Parties shall fulfill all their obligations by being compliant with the applicable laws. REMUNERATION The Employee shall be paid [SPECIFY MONTHLY SALARY] on a monthly basis. The said salary shall be paid on [DAY] day of each month to the Employee by the Company. The Employee's salary shall be paid through [MODE OF TRANSFER]. The Employee's salary and other benefits shall be subject to compulsory statutory and other deductions, including tax and other contributions that are to be held by the Employee in STATE/PROVINCE]. LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS The Employee shall be entitled to leave in a year as per the leave policy of the Company, which is annexed as Annexure B to the present Agreement. NON-DISCLOSURE, NON-SOLICITATION AND CONFIDENTIALITY As Confidential Information will from time to time become known to the Employee, the Company considers and the Employee agrees that the restraints set forth in this Agreement (on which the Employee has had the opportunity to take independent legal advice) are necessary for the reasonable protection by the Company of its business or the business of the Group, the clients thereof or their respective affairs. The Employee shall not at any time, either during the continuance of or after the termination of employment with the Company, use, disclose or communicate to any person whatsoever any Confidential Information which the Employee has or of which he may have become possessed during the Employee's employment with the Company, nor shall he supply the names or addresses of any clients, customers, vendors or agents of the Company to any person except as authorised by the Company or as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Employee consents to the Company holding and processing, both electronically and manually, the data it collects in the course of his employment, for the purpose of the Company's administration and management of its employees, its business, and to comply with applicable procedures, laws and regulations. The Employee agrees that he will not at any time during the continuance of employment or on expiry or on termination/cessation of employment with the Company or thereafter, issue any statements to the press (whether oral or written) which have not directly been authorised by the Company. The obligations under this clause shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement, and any disclosure of the Confidential Information by the Employee intentionally or unintentionally shall constitute a material breach of the present Agreement, thereby making the Employee liable for the legal action that may be taken by the Company in this regard.","Fixed Term Contract","9","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/fixed-term-contract-D13225.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13225.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#13225.xml",{"title":142,"description":6},"fixed term contract",[144,145],{"label":24,"url":116},{"label":24,"url":116},"/template/fixed-term-contract-D13225",{"description":148,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":149,"pages":150,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":151,"thumb":152,"svgFrame":153,"seoMetadata":154,"parents":156,"keywords":155,"url":161},"REMOTE WORK AGREEMENT This Remote Work Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [NAME OF THE EMPLOYER], (the \"Employer\" or \"Company\"), a Company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [NAME OF THE EMPLOYEE], (the \"Employee\"), an individual with their main address located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] Collectively, the Employer and the Employee shall be referred to as the \"Parties.\" WHEREAS, the Company has made an offer to the Employee to work remotely in the capacity of [JOB TITLE] at the Company; NOW THEREFORE in consideration and as a condition of the Parties entering into this Agreement and other valuable considerations, the receipt and sufficiency of which consideration is acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows: APPOINTMENT The Company hereby offers the Employee appointment, and the Employee agrees to serve the Company to work remotely in the capacity of [JOB TITLE] as of [DATE] (the \"Effective Date\"). PROBATION PERIOD The Employee will be on a Probation Period for a period of [MONTHS/DAYS]. The Employee's confirmation as a permanent employee is subject to the Employee making a positive contribution to the Company and is further subject to meeting certain standards and qualifying criteria during the Probation Period. PLACE OF WORK The Employee shall perform their duties at the location of their choice. The Employee will report to the [SPECIFY THE DESIGNATION] on a needs basis in the following manner: [SPECIFY THE MANNER OF COMMUNICATION]. REMOTE WORK While working remotely, the Employee will remain accessible during the remote work. The Employee will check in with the supervisor to discuss status and open issues and be available for video/teleconferences, scheduled on an as-needed basis. The Employee will take rest and meal breaks while working remotely in full compliance with all applicable policies or collective bargaining agreements, and request supervisor approval to use vacation or sick leave. To ensure that the Employee's performance will not suffer in a remote work arrangement, the Employee is advised to choose a quiet and distraction-free working space, have an internet connection that is adequate for their job and dedicate their full attention to their job duties during working hours. Equipment. The Company will provide the Employee with equipment that is essential to their job duties, like laptops and headsets. The Employee will install VPN and company-required software when the Employee receives their equipment. The Employee must keep their equipment password protected, follow all data encryption, protection standards and settings, and refrain from downloading suspicious, unauthorized or illegal software. NOTICE PERIOD During the Probation Period, if the Employee's performance is found to be unsatisfactory or if it does not meet the prescribed criteria, the Employee's employment can be terminated by the Company with [NUMBER OF DAYS] day's notice or salary thereof. The Employee will be required to give [NUMBER OF MONTHS] months' notice or salary thereof in case the Employee decides to leave the Company. DUTIES The Employee shall perform all such duties as may be delegated by the Company and comply with all such directions as the Managing Director and/or his/her nominated deputies may from time to time assign or give to the Employee. [SPECIFY DUTIES] WORKING HOURS The total working hours will be [SPECIFY HOURS] hours on Mondays to Saturdays. It is expected that the Employee will be flexible with the working hours and work such additional hours as might be necessary to efficiently perform duties under this Agreement. The Company reserves the right to change the working days and the working hours. The Employee shall be entitled to leave and holidays as per the Leave Policy of the Company. In the event the Employee is absent from work and unable to perform duties satisfactorily by reason of any injury, illness or other reason acceptable to the Company, the Employee will be entitled to receive salary and other benefits for up to [NUMBER OF DAYS] consecutive working days during any such absence, within a period of 12 consecutive months. REMUNERATION The Employee's starting total monthly gross salary and during the Probation Period will be as per details in the annexure, hereinafter known as Exhibit A. Any bonus is subject to review in accordance with the Company's practice and policies from time to time, however, there shall be no obligation on the Company to increase the salary or award bonuses at any point of time, save and except at its sole discretion. The Company shall pay or refund or procure to be paid or refunded all reasonable travelling and other similar out of pocket expenses necessarily and incurred by the Employee wholly in the proper performance of duties, subject to production by the Employee of such evidence of the expenses as the Company may reasonably require. The Employee will be required to fill in the claims forms in which the Employee shall provide the correct information of the expenses incurred. CONFIDENTIALITY AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY If at any time during the Employee's employment under this Agreement, the Employee participates in the making or discovery of any Intellectual Property directly or indirectly relating to or capable of being used by the Company, full details of the Intellectual Property shall immediately be disclosed in writing by the Employee to the Company and the Intellectual Property shall be the absolute property of the Company. At the request and expense of the Company, the Employee shall give and supply all such information, data, drawings, and assistance as may be necessary or in the opinion of the Company desirable to enable the Company to exploit the Intellectual Property to the best advantage as decided by the Company. The Employee shall execute all documents and do all things which may, in the opinion of the Company, be necessary or desirable for obtaining copyright, design or other protection for the Intellectual Property and for vesting the same in the Company, as the Company may direct. As Confidential Information will from time to time become known to the Employee, the Company considers and the Employee agrees that the restraints set forth in this Agreement are necessary for the reasonable protection by the Company of its business or the business of the Group, the clients thereof or their respective affairs. The Employee shall not at any time, either during the continuance of or after the termination of Employment with the Company, use, disclose or communicate to any person whatsoever any Confidential Information which the Employee has or of which he may have become possessed during employment with the Company nor shall he supply the names or addresses of any clients, customers, vendors or agents of the Company or any company of the Group to any person except as authorised by the Company or as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Employee consents to the Company holding and processing, both electronically and manually, the data it collects relating to the Employee in the course of employment, for the purpose of the Company's administration and management of its employees, its business and to comply with applicable procedures, laws and regulations. ","Remote Work Agreement","8","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/remote-work-agreement-D13282.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13282.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#13282.xml",{"title":155,"description":6},"remote work agreement",[157,158],{"label":18,"url":99},{"label":159,"url":160},"Company Policies","company-policies","/template/remote-work-agreement-D13282",{"description":163,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":164,"pages":165,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":166,"thumb":167,"svgFrame":168,"seoMetadata":169,"parents":171,"keywords":170,"url":176},"NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (NDA) This Non-Disclosure Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Disclosing Party\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [RECEIVING PARTY NAME] (the \"Receiving Party\"), an individual with his main address located at OR a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] WHEREAS, Receiving Party has been or will be engaged in the performance of work on [DESCRIBE]; and in connection therewith will be given access to certain confidential and proprietary information; and WHEREAS, Receiving Party and Disclosing Party wish to evidence by this Agreement the manner in which said confidential and proprietary material will be treated. NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows: NON-DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION Both Parties understand and agree that each Party may have access to the confidential information of the other party. For the purposes of this Agreement, \"Confidential Information\" means proprietary and confidential information about the Disclosing Party's (or it's suppliers') business or activities. Such information includes all business, financial, technical, and other information marked or designated by such Party as \"confidential\" or \"proprietary.\" Confidential Information also includes information which, by the nature of the circumstances surrounding the disclosure, ought in good faith to be treated as confidential. For the purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information does not include: Information that is currently in the public domain or that enters the public domain after the signing of this Agreement. Information a Party lawfully receives from a third Party without restriction on disclosure and without breach of a non-disclosure obligation. Information that the Receiving Party knew prior to receiving any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Information that the Receiving Party independently develops without reliance on any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Each Party agrees that it will not disclose to any third Party or use any Confidential Information disclosed to it by the other Party except when expressly permitted in writing by the other Party. Each Party also agrees that it will take all reasonable measures to maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information of the other Party in its possession or control. TERM The term of this Agreement is [number] of [years/months] from the date of execution by both Parties. TITLE The Receiving Party agrees that all Confidential Information furnished by the Disclosing Party shall remain the sole property of the Disclosing Party. DISCLAIMER","Non Disclosure Agreement Nda","3","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12692.xml",{"title":170,"description":6},"non disclosure agreement nda",[172,173],{"label":24,"url":116},{"label":174,"url":175},"Confidentiality Agreements","confidentiality-agreement","/template/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692",false,{"seo":179,"reviewer":192,"quick_facts":196,"at_a_glance":199,"personas":203,"variants":228,"glossary":255,"clauses":289,"how_to_fill":340,"common_mistakes":381,"faqs":406,"industries":434,"comparisons":459,"diy_vs_lawyer":470,"jurisdictions":483,"related_template_ids_curated":504,"schema":510,"classification":511},{"meta_title":180,"meta_description":181,"primary_keyword":182,"secondary_keywords":183},"At-Will Employment Agreement Template (Free Word)","Download a free at-will employment agreement template for hiring employees in the US. Customize and use instantly. Used in 190+ countries. Free Word and PDF download.","at-will employment agreement template",[184,185,186,187,188,189,190,191],"at will employment contract template","at will employment agreement template free","at will employee contract template word","employment agreement at will template download","standard employment agreement template","at will employment letter template","at will employment contract pdf","simple employment agreement template",{"name":193,"credential":194,"reviewed_date":195},"Bruno Goulet","CEO, Business in a Box","2026-05-02",{"difficulty":197,"legal_review_recommended":198,"signature_required":198},"medium",true,{"what_it_is":200,"when_you_need_it":201,"whats_inside":202},"An At-Will Employment Agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and a full-time employee under which either party may end the working relationship at any time, for any lawful reason, without advance notice or severance obligation. This free Word download covers all material terms — position, compensation, benefits, IP assignment, confidentiality, non-compete, and termination — in a single document you can edit online and export as PDF to execute before an employee's first day.\n","Use it whenever you hire a salaried or hourly employee in an at-will jurisdiction — particularly when the role involves access to confidential information, proprietary technology, or customer relationships that require enforceable post-employment restrictions.\n","Parties and job title, at-will acknowledgment, start date, base compensation and bonus, benefits, working hours and location, intellectual property assignment, confidentiality obligations, non-compete and non-solicitation restrictions, termination procedures, governing law, and an integration clause.\n",[204,208,212,216,220,224],{"title":205,"use_case":206,"icon_asset_id":207},"Startup founders","Protecting IP and confidential data when bringing on first full-time employees","persona-startup-founder",{"title":209,"use_case":210,"icon_asset_id":211},"HR managers","Standardizing employment terms and at-will language across all new hires","persona-hr-manager",{"title":213,"use_case":214,"icon_asset_id":215},"Small business owners","Documenting employee obligations without an in-house legal team","persona-small-business-owner",{"title":217,"use_case":218,"icon_asset_id":219},"Operations directors","Replacing inconsistent offer letters with a single enforceable contract standard","persona-operations-director",{"title":221,"use_case":222,"icon_asset_id":223},"Staffing agencies","Issuing compliant at-will contracts to placed candidates on behalf of client employers","persona-staffing-agency",{"title":225,"use_case":226,"icon_asset_id":227},"Growth-stage CEOs","Scaling a team quickly while maintaining enforceable non-compete and IP protections","persona-ceo",[229,233,236,240,244,248,251],{"situation":230,"recommended_template":231,"slug":232},"Hiring a C-suite or VP-level executive with equity and enhanced severance","Executive Employment Agreement","employment-agreement-executive-D543",{"situation":234,"recommended_template":121,"slug":235},"Engaging a self-employed individual for project-based work","independent-contractor-agreement-D160",{"situation":237,"recommended_template":238,"slug":239},"Hiring for a defined project or season with a fixed end date","Fixed-Term Employment Contract","fixed-term-contract-D13225",{"situation":241,"recommended_template":242,"slug":243},"Hiring a part-time or variable-schedule hourly worker","Part-Time Employment Contract","temporary-employment-contract-D12734",{"situation":245,"recommended_template":246,"slug":247},"Onboarding a remote worker located in a different state or country","Remote Work Employment Agreement","remote-work-agreement-D13282",{"situation":249,"recommended_template":250,"slug":243},"Hiring an employee on a trial basis before confirming permanent status","Probationary Employment Contract",{"situation":252,"recommended_template":253,"slug":254},"Protecting confidential information without a full employment agreement","Non-Disclosure Agreement","non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692",[256,259,262,265,268,271,274,277,280,283,286],{"term":257,"definition":258},"At-Will Employment","An employment relationship that either party may terminate at any time, for any lawful reason, without advance notice — recognized as the default in 49 US states.",{"term":260,"definition":261},"Integration Clause","A contract provision stating that the written agreement is the complete and final record of the parties' deal, superseding all prior emails, offer letters, and verbal promises.",{"term":263,"definition":264},"IP Assignment","A clause transferring ownership of all work product, inventions, and developments created by the employee in the course of employment to the employer.",{"term":266,"definition":267},"Confidential Information","Non-public business data — trade secrets, customer lists, financial records, and product roadmaps — that the employee is contractually prohibited from disclosing or misusing.",{"term":269,"definition":270},"Non-Compete Clause","A post-employment restriction preventing the employee from working for direct competitors or launching a competing business within a defined time period and geographic area.",{"term":272,"definition":273},"Non-Solicitation Clause","A restriction preventing a departing employee from recruiting the employer's staff or soliciting its customers for a defined period after separation.",{"term":275,"definition":276},"Cause (for Termination)","Specific documented grounds — misconduct, fraud, gross negligence, or material policy violation — that justify immediate termination without notice or severance.",{"term":278,"definition":279},"Exempt vs. Non-Exempt","US classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act: exempt employees are not entitled to overtime pay; non-exempt employees must receive 1.5× their regular rate for hours over 40 per week.",{"term":281,"definition":282},"Consideration","Something of value exchanged between parties to make a contract legally binding — for employment agreements, the job and compensation constitute consideration when signed before the start date.",{"term":284,"definition":285},"Severance","Compensation paid to an employee upon termination, negotiated contractually in at-will arrangements since US federal law does not require it.",{"term":287,"definition":288},"Constructive Dismissal","When an employer unilaterally changes employment conditions so significantly — cutting pay, demoting the role, or forcing relocation — that the employee is effectively compelled to resign, which courts treat as termination.",[290,295,300,305,310,315,320,325,330,335],{"name":291,"plain_english":292,"sample_language":293,"common_mistake":294},"Parties, position, and start date","Identifies the employer's registered legal entity and the employee by full legal name, states the job title and department, and records the official first day of employment.","This At-Will Employment Agreement is entered into as of [START DATE] by and between [EMPLOYER LEGAL NAME], a [STATE] [ENTITY TYPE] ('Company'), and [EMPLOYEE FULL NAME] ('Employee'). Employee is engaged in the position of [JOB TITLE] within the [DEPARTMENT] department, commencing [START DATE].","Using a trade name or DBA instead of the registered legal entity name. Mismatched entity names make IP assignment and non-compete enforcement against the correct legal party unnecessarily complicated.",{"name":296,"plain_english":297,"sample_language":298,"common_mistake":299},"At-will acknowledgment","Explicitly states that employment is at-will, that either party may end the relationship at any time for any lawful reason, and that nothing in the agreement creates a guarantee of continued employment.","Employee's employment with Company is at-will. Either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without advance notice. Nothing in this Agreement constitutes a guarantee of continued employment for any specific period.","Burying the at-will statement in a subordinate clause or using ambiguous language like 'we hope this will be a long-term arrangement.' Language that implies job security can override the at-will acknowledgment in some jurisdictions.",{"name":301,"plain_english":302,"sample_language":303,"common_mistake":304},"Duties and reporting structure","Describes the employee's primary responsibilities, identifies the reporting manager by title, and preserves the employer's right to reasonably modify duties over time.","Employee shall perform the duties described in Schedule A and any other duties reasonably assigned by Company from time to time consistent with Employee's position. Employee shall report directly to the [REPORTING TITLE].","Over-specifying duties so narrowly that any role evolution requires a formal contract amendment, or leaving them so vague that performance management becomes unenforceable.",{"name":306,"plain_english":307,"sample_language":308,"common_mistake":309},"Compensation and bonus","States the base salary or hourly rate, payment frequency, and any target bonus — and clarifies whether the bonus is discretionary or guaranteed.","Company shall pay Employee a base salary of $[ANNUAL AMOUNT] per year, payable in accordance with Company's standard payroll schedule. Employee is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus of up to [PERCENTAGE]% of base salary, subject to Company and individual performance as determined by Company in its sole discretion.","Omitting the word 'discretionary' from bonus language. Courts in several states have found that a consistently paid bonus becomes a contractual entitlement even without an explicit written promise.",{"name":311,"plain_english":312,"sample_language":313,"common_mistake":314},"Benefits and business expenses","References the company's benefits program by category — health, retirement, PTO — and states the policy for reimbursing approved business expenses.","Employee shall be eligible to participate in Company's standard employee benefits program, as amended from time to time, subject to applicable plan documents. Company shall reimburse Employee for reasonable, pre-approved business expenses upon submission of receipts within [NUMBER] days of the expense.","Embedding specific coverage levels or benefit values inside the contract. When annual plan renewals change those terms, the employer may face a breach-of-contract claim or be obligated to issue a contract amendment for every plan change.",{"name":316,"plain_english":317,"sample_language":318,"common_mistake":319},"Intellectual property assignment","Assigns to the employer all work product, code, inventions, and IP created by the employee during employment that relates to the company's business — including work done outside business hours on company-related projects.","Employee agrees that all inventions, developments, work product, software, and improvements created by Employee during the term of employment that relate to Company's business or utilize Company's resources are the sole property of Company and are hereby irrevocably assigned to Company.","Limiting the assignment to work performed on company premises or during business hours. Remote employees creating IP on personal devices at home fall outside a narrowly drafted clause, which can expose the company to IP ownership disputes.",{"name":321,"plain_english":322,"sample_language":323,"common_mistake":324},"Confidentiality","Prohibits the employee from disclosing or misusing the company's confidential information — including trade secrets, financials, customer data, and product roadmaps — both during and after employment.","During and after employment, Employee shall not disclose, copy, or use any Confidential Information of Company without prior written consent. 'Confidential Information' means any non-public information relating to Company's business, customers, technology, finances, or strategic plans.","Relying on a blanket 'everything is confidential' definition without specifics. Courts apply a reasonableness standard — an overbroad definition weakens the clause's enforceability and may void it entirely.",{"name":326,"plain_english":327,"sample_language":328,"common_mistake":329},"Non-compete and non-solicitation","Restricts the employee from joining competitors or starting a competing business within a defined period and geography, and from soliciting the employer's customers or employees after departure.","For [DURATION] following separation, Employee shall not: (a) engage in or assist any Competing Business within [GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE]; or (b) solicit, recruit, or hire any employee, contractor, or customer of Company.","Applying the same non-compete duration and geographic scope to every employee regardless of seniority. Overbroad restrictions on junior employees with limited competitive exposure are routinely struck down by courts, voiding the clause entirely.",{"name":331,"plain_english":332,"sample_language":333,"common_mistake":334},"Termination procedures","States the conditions under which Company may terminate for cause immediately without severance, and any voluntary notice period or severance the Company chooses to offer at-will employees.","Company may terminate Employee immediately for Cause without notice or severance. 'Cause' includes but is not limited to: material breach of this Agreement, gross misconduct, fraud, or willful insubordination. Voluntary resignation requires [NUMBER] weeks' written notice.","Defining 'Cause' so broadly that virtually any performance issue qualifies. Courts scrutinize cause determinations — an overbroad definition can expose the employer to wrongful-termination claims when the employee disputes the stated cause.",{"name":336,"plain_english":337,"sample_language":338,"common_mistake":339},"Governing law and integration","Specifies which state's law governs the agreement, designates the venue for any disputes, and confirms the written contract supersedes all prior offer letters, emails, and verbal representations.","This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [STATE]. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior representations, understandings, and agreements, whether written or oral.","Selecting a governing-law state with no connection to where the employee actually works. California, for example, applies its own employment law regardless of a contrary choice-of-law clause when the employee performs work there.",[341,346,351,356,361,366,371,376],{"step":342,"title":343,"description":344,"tip":345},1,"Enter legal entity names and employee details","Use the employer's full registered corporate name — confirmed against your state's corporate registry — and the employee's legal name as it appears on government-issued ID. Include the job title, department, and the exact start date.","A mismatch between the entity name in the contract and the name on payroll records can complicate enforcement of IP assignment and non-compete clauses later.",{"step":347,"title":348,"description":349,"tip":350},2,"Confirm at-will status is appropriate for the jurisdiction","At-will employment applies in 49 US states. Montana requires cause for termination after a probationary period. Confirm the employee's state of work before relying on at-will language.","If the employee works in California, keep the at-will clause but remove or significantly limit the non-compete — California prohibits most post-employment non-competes under Business and Professions Code §16600.",{"step":352,"title":353,"description":354,"tip":355},3,"Complete the compensation block","Enter the base salary or hourly rate, payment frequency (bi-weekly is standard in most US states), and any bonus eligibility. Mark all bonuses explicitly as discretionary unless you intend them to be a guaranteed obligation.","State the FLSA classification (exempt or non-exempt) in this section to pre-empt overtime disputes, particularly for salaried employees close to the current DOL salary threshold.",{"step":357,"title":358,"description":359,"tip":360},4,"Tailor the non-compete and non-solicitation terms","Set the geographic scope and duration proportionate to the employee's actual access to competitive information and customer relationships. Typical enforced ranges are 6–12 months for most roles and up to 18 months for senior sales or technical leaders.","Separate the non-compete and non-solicitation into distinct paragraphs. Courts in some states will sever and enforce a valid non-solicitation even when striking an overbroad non-compete.",{"step":362,"title":363,"description":364,"tip":365},5,"Define confidential information specifically","List the categories of information you are protecting — trade secrets, customer lists, pricing data, source code, product roadmaps — rather than relying on a blanket definition. The more specific the definition, the more defensible the clause.","Include a note that information marked 'confidential' or disclosed in a context where confidentiality is expected qualifies, even if not explicitly labeled at the time of disclosure.",{"step":367,"title":368,"description":369,"tip":370},6,"Attach Schedule A for detailed job duties","Move granular role responsibilities to a Schedule A rather than embedding them in the body of the agreement. This lets you update duties as the role evolves without issuing a formal contract amendment.","Have the employee initial Schedule A separately at signing to confirm they reviewed and accepted the full scope of responsibilities.",{"step":372,"title":373,"description":374,"tip":375},7,"Execute before the employee's first day","Both parties must sign before or on day one of employment. In common-law jurisdictions, a contract signed after the employee has already started working may be unenforceable for lack of fresh consideration — particularly for restrictive covenants.","Send the agreement with the formal offer letter so the employee reviews and signs it at the same time they accept the role, not as a separate onboarding formality.",{"step":377,"title":378,"description":379,"tip":380},8,"Store the fully executed copy securely","Save the signed agreement in a secure, searchable HR system alongside the employee's payroll and benefits records. Both parties should receive a copy at the time of execution.","Use Business in a Box eSign to capture a timestamped digital signature and store the fully executed copy automatically — this creates an audit-ready record if the agreement is ever disputed.",[382,386,390,394,398,402],{"mistake":383,"why_it_matters":384,"fix":385},"Signing after the employee's start date","In common-law jurisdictions, an employee already performing work has given no new consideration for post-start restrictions. Courts have voided IP assignment, confidentiality, and non-compete clauses on this basis.","Execute the agreement before or on the first day of work. If signing after the start date is unavoidable, provide a documented additional benefit — a signing bonus, salary increase, or extra PTO — as fresh consideration at the time of execution.",{"mistake":387,"why_it_matters":388,"fix":389},"Using ambiguous job security language alongside the at-will clause","Phrases like 'we see this as a long-term opportunity' or 'subject to annual review' in the same document can be interpreted by courts as creating an implied contract that overrides the at-will acknowledgment.","Confine forward-looking language to the offer letter and keep the employment agreement focused on present terms. Include a clear disclaimer that no statement by any employee or manager creates a guarantee of continued employment.",{"mistake":391,"why_it_matters":392,"fix":393},"Applying identical non-compete terms to all employees regardless of role","A 12-month, nationwide non-compete on an entry-level customer service employee has no reasonable basis in protecting competitive interests and will be struck down — taking the non-solicitation with it in states that void the entire clause.","Grade non-compete scope by seniority: narrow geographic limits and 6-month durations for junior staff; broader scope and up to 18 months for sales leaders, engineers, or executives with direct competitive exposure.",{"mistake":395,"why_it_matters":396,"fix":397},"Omitting an IP assignment clause entirely","Without an explicit assignment, an employee may retain rights to code, designs, client materials, or processes created on the job — especially for remote workers using personal equipment on personal time.","Include a broad IP assignment covering all work product created in connection with the company's business, regardless of location or time of day, and have the employee execute it before their start date.",{"mistake":399,"why_it_matters":400,"fix":401},"Embedding specific benefits plan details in the contract","Benefits plans change at annual renewal. If the contract promises a specific deductible level, contribution match, or PTO accrual rate that the plan no longer offers, the employer may face a breach claim.","Reference benefits by category only — 'Company's standard employee benefits program as amended from time to time' — and point to the current Summary Plan Description as a separate living document.",{"mistake":403,"why_it_matters":404,"fix":405},"Choosing a governing-law state disconnected from where the employee works","Several states — California, Washington, Minnesota, and others — apply their own employment law regardless of what the contract specifies when the employee performs work there. A Texas governing-law clause does not make a California non-compete enforceable.","Set governing law to the state where the employee primarily works, and verify that all restrictive covenants comply with that state's specific requirements before execution.",[407,410,413,416,419,422,425,428,431],{"question":408,"answer":409},"What is an at-will employment agreement?","An at-will employment agreement is a written contract that establishes the terms of a working relationship while explicitly preserving both parties' right to end the relationship at any time, for any lawful reason, without advance notice or cause. It covers compensation, benefits, duties, IP ownership, confidentiality, and post-employment restrictions in a single enforceable document. Unlike a pure offer letter, it creates binding obligations on both sides that survive the termination of employment.\n",{"question":411,"answer":412},"Is at-will employment recognized in all US states?","At-will employment is the legal default in 49 states. Montana is the exception — under the Montana Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act, employees who complete a probationary period may only be terminated for good cause. Even in at-will states, employees cannot be terminated for illegal reasons such as race, sex, age, disability, or retaliation for protected activity. At-will status does not override federal and state anti-discrimination laws.\n",{"question":414,"answer":415},"Can an employer include a non-compete in an at-will employment agreement?","Yes, but enforceability depends entirely on the state where the employee works. California, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Oklahoma ban or severely restrict post-employment non-competes. In states that permit them, courts enforce restrictions that are reasonable in duration (typically 6–12 months), geographic scope (limited to where the company actually operates), and breadth (limited to the employee's actual competitive exposure). An overbroad clause is struck down entirely in many states rather than narrowed by a court.\n",{"question":417,"answer":418},"What is the difference between an at-will employment agreement and an offer letter?","An offer letter summarizes the role, start date, and compensation to secure a candidate's acceptance. An at-will employment agreement is the full legal contract that governs the relationship — covering IP assignment, confidentiality, non-compete, termination procedures, and dispute resolution in binding detail. Relying on an offer letter alone leaves the employer without enforceable restrictive covenants and creates ambiguity about termination rights that courts resolve in the employee's favor.\n",{"question":420,"answer":421},"Does an at-will employer have to pay severance?","US federal law does not require severance for at-will employees. If the employment agreement does not include a contractual severance provision, the employer owes nothing beyond wages earned through the last day worked and any accrued PTO owed under state law. Employers commonly include severance formulas anyway — typically 1–2 weeks per year of service — to reduce the risk of post-termination disputes and to obtain a release of claims in exchange for payment.\n",{"question":423,"answer":424},"What should an at-will employment agreement include?","At minimum: the employer's legal entity name, the employee's name and job title, a clear at-will acknowledgment, start date, base compensation, payment frequency, bonus terms marked as discretionary, benefits reference, IP assignment, confidentiality obligations, non-compete and non-solicitation terms calibrated to the role, termination procedures (including a definition of cause), governing law, and an integration clause. Missing any of these creates gaps that courts fill using jurisdiction-specific defaults.\n",{"question":426,"answer":427},"When does an at-will employment agreement need to be signed?","The agreement must be signed before or on the employee's first day of work. Signing after the start date raises a lack-of-consideration problem in common-law jurisdictions: an employee already performing work gave nothing new in exchange for the restrictive covenants. Courts have used this reasoning to void IP assignment and non-compete clauses signed days or weeks into employment. If a late signature is unavoidable, document a specific additional benefit provided at the time of signing.\n",{"question":429,"answer":430},"Can an at-will employment agreement be changed after signing?","Yes, but any material amendment — changing compensation, duties, or adding new restrictive covenants — requires the employee's written agreement and fresh consideration (something of value beyond continued employment in most states). Unilaterally changing material terms without consent can constitute constructive dismissal in jurisdictions that recognize the doctrine, including Canada and the UK. Use a signed amendment addendum rather than issuing a new agreement when possible.\n",{"question":432,"answer":433},"Do I need a lawyer to use an at-will employment agreement template?","For straightforward domestic hires in most US states, a high-quality template reviewed against your specific state's requirements is usually sufficient. Engage an employment attorney when hiring in California, Minnesota, or other states with restrictive non-compete laws; when the role involves significant equity or sensitive IP; when the employee is a senior executive; or when the business operates across multiple states with different employment law requirements. A 1–2 hour attorney review typically costs $300–$600 and is worthwhile for roles where non-compete enforceability or IP ownership is commercially critical.\n",[435,439,443,447,451,455],{"industry":436,"icon_asset_id":437,"specifics":438},"Technology / SaaS","industry-saas","IP assignment must explicitly cover software, algorithms, and training data; non-compete scope should reference specific product categories rather than 'technology' broadly; remote-work addendum addresses multi-state considerations.",{"industry":440,"icon_asset_id":441,"specifics":442},"Professional Services","industry-professional-services","Client non-solicitation is commercially critical given fee-based relationships; billing targets and utilization expectations are typically attached as Schedule A rather than embedded in the contract body.",{"industry":444,"icon_asset_id":445,"specifics":446},"Retail / Hospitality","industry-retail","High turnover and hourly scheduling make at-will termination language especially important; FLSA non-exempt classification and tip-handling provisions should be addressed explicitly for front-line roles.",{"industry":448,"icon_asset_id":449,"specifics":450},"Healthcare","industry-healthtech","Confidentiality clause must reference HIPAA obligations by name; credentialing and licensure conditions should be listed as prerequisites to commencing duties; patient non-solicitation is standard post-employment restriction.",{"industry":452,"icon_asset_id":453,"specifics":454},"Financial Services","industry-fintech","FINRA or state securities licensing requirements referenced as employment conditions; bonus clawback provisions address regulatory recovery obligations; confidentiality covers client account and trading data specifically.",{"industry":456,"icon_asset_id":457,"specifics":458},"Manufacturing","industry-manufacturing","Safety certification and training completion often listed as conditions precedent to full duties; shift-schedule flexibility and overtime classification for non-exempt production roles require explicit treatment.",[460,462,464,466],{"vs":231,"vs_template_id":232,"summary":461},"An executive agreement covers the same core terms but adds equity grant mechanics, change-of-control provisions, enhanced severance, D&O indemnification, and more heavily negotiated non-compete terms. At-will agreements are appropriate for individual contributors and managers; executive agreements are required for C-suite and VP-level hires where equity, severance exposure, and governance rights are material.",{"vs":121,"vs_template_id":235,"summary":463},"A contractor agreement engages a self-employed individual for project work with no employment entitlements — no benefits, no payroll withholding, no overtime, and no at-will termination rights. Misclassifying an employee as a contractor triggers back taxes, penalties, and benefit liability under IRS and state wage-and-hour laws. The key test is the degree of behavioral and financial control the company exercises over the worker.",{"vs":238,"vs_template_id":239,"summary":465},"A fixed-term contract sets a defined end date, after which employment terminates automatically without additional notice. At-will agreements run indefinitely until either party terminates. Fixed-term arrangements suit project roles, seasonal hires, or maternity cover; they carry risk of implied renewal if the employee continues working past the end date without a new agreement.",{"vs":467,"vs_template_id":468,"summary":469},"Offer Letter","job-offer-letter-long-D12769","An offer letter confirms the role and compensation to secure a candidate's acceptance; it is not a comprehensive legal contract. It lacks IP assignment, confidentiality, non-compete, and detailed termination clauses. Relying solely on an offer letter leaves significant legal gaps that courts fill with jurisdiction-specific defaults — almost always more favorable to the employee than the employer.",{"use_template":471,"template_plus_review":475,"custom_drafted":479},{"best_for":472,"cost":473,"time":474},"Standard at-will hires for individual contributors and managers in most US states outside California","Free","20–30 minutes",{"best_for":476,"cost":477,"time":478},"Hires in California, Washington, or Minnesota; roles with significant IP exposure; any senior manager with equity","$300–$600","1–3 days",{"best_for":480,"cost":481,"time":482},"Multi-state employers, regulated industries (healthcare, financial services), or roles where non-compete enforceability is commercially critical","$1,500–$4,000+","1–2 weeks",[484,489,494,499],{"code":485,"name":486,"flag_asset_id":487,"note":488},"us","United States","flag-us","At-will employment is the legal default in 49 states, with Montana as the sole exception after a probationary period. Non-compete enforceability varies sharply by state — California, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Oklahoma ban most post-employment restrictions outright. The FTC's 2024 proposed rule banning most non-competes was blocked in federal court as of 2025; confirm current status before relying on non-compete provisions in any jurisdiction. FLSA classification (exempt vs. non-exempt) and the DOL salary threshold must be verified for every salaried role.",{"code":490,"name":491,"flag_asset_id":492,"note":493},"ca","Canada","flag-ca","At-will employment does not exist in Canada. All provinces require reasonable notice or pay in lieu upon termination, with minimums set by provincial Employment Standards Acts. Ontario common-law notice can reach 1 month per year of service for long-tenured employees. Using at-will language in a Canadian employment agreement is ineffective and creates ambiguity about notice obligations. Quebec employees covered by provincial jurisdiction must receive contracts in French. Non-competes are enforceable only if reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic limits.",{"code":495,"name":496,"flag_asset_id":497,"note":498},"uk","United Kingdom","flag-uk","At-will termination has no legal equivalent in the UK. Employers must provide a written statement of employment particulars on or before day one under the Employment Rights Act 1996. Statutory minimum notice is one week per year of service after two years of employment, capped at 12 weeks. Post-termination restrictive covenants are enforceable if reasonable and supported by legitimate business interests — garden leave arrangements are commonly used to protect confidential information during the notice period.",{"code":500,"name":501,"flag_asset_id":502,"note":503},"eu","European Union","flag-eu","The EU Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directive requires written employment terms within seven calendar days of hire. At-will termination is not recognized in any EU member state; minimum notice periods and statutory severance vary significantly — France, Germany, and Spain impose some of the strongest employee protections. Post-employment non-competes typically require financial compensation to the employee to be enforceable, ranging from 25–100% of salary depending on the member state. GDPR requires that employee personal data processing be addressed in onboarding documentation.",[468,232,235,239,247,243,254,505,506,507,508,509],"employee-handbook-D712","employee-dismissal-letter-D508","general-non-compete-agreement-D882","letter-of-appreciation-to-employee-D664","separation-agreement-D13184",{"emit_how_to":198,"emit_defined_term":198},{"primary_folder":116,"secondary_folder":512,"document_type":513,"industry":514,"business_stage":515,"tags":516,"confidence":522},"employment-and-contractors","agreement","general","all-stages",[517,518,519,520,521],"employment","contract","hr","termination","at-will",0.95,"\u003Ch2>What is an At-Will Employment Agreement?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>An \u003Cstrong>At-Will Employment Agreement\u003C/strong> is a legally binding contract between an employer and a new employee that sets out every material term of the working relationship — position, compensation, benefits, IP ownership, confidentiality, and post-employment restrictions — while explicitly preserving both parties' right to end the arrangement at any time, for any lawful reason, without advance notice or severance. Unlike a casual offer letter, a properly executed at-will agreement creates enforceable obligations that survive termination: the employee cannot walk away with your trade secrets or call your clients, and you have a documented record of every agreed term if a dispute arises.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Why You Need This Document\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Without a written at-will employment agreement, four serious risks open simultaneously the moment a new hire starts work. First, any intellectual property the employee creates — code, client materials, product designs — may not legally belong to your company, particularly for remote workers using personal devices. Second, a departing employee faces no enforceable restriction on joining a direct competitor or calling your top accounts the week after they resign. Third, a bonus paid three years running can be argued as a contractual entitlement rather than a discretionary payment. Fourth, the absence of a clear termination clause means disputes about final pay, notice, and severance are resolved by state-law defaults, which rarely favor the employer. This template closes all four gaps in under 30 minutes, giving you a professional, executable document that protects your business from day one.\u003C/p>\n",1781186024380]