For business owners and executives, workforce management is amongst the most pressing of tasks. It’s made all the more difficult by regularly changing employment and industrial relations laws which simply must be reflected in your contracts. And this of course begs the question: Are your employment contracts up to date, and if tested, will they protect your employer rights?
In this article, I highlight the key matters you need to know about, especially given the current job-fluid market, which may mean you could be replacing or hiring new employees in the near future.
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to review your employment contracts and, given the current state of the job market, you may need them sooner rather than later and they need to be compliant with current laws and any specific regulations affecting your industry.
The unfortunate truth is that it’s becoming more and more common for employers to seek legal advice and representation arising from sub-standard employment contracts. Even more disappointing is that many of the issues could have been avoided had contracts simply adhered to legal ‘best practice’ standards.
Instead, employers find themselves all too often, in a situation where their rights are compromised and their options limited when dealing with employee issues.
We have identified 12 matters that we consider are employment contract must-haves and share them with you here.
Interestingly, you’ll note that clear COVID requirements are now listed amongst fundamentals that also include ensuring Fair Work practices, adherence to Modern Awards, clear descriptions for roles and responsibilities, restraints and termination conditions.
Next steps:
We have created a New Year Housekeeping Employment Contract Checklist, and I invite you to download it to ensure your employment contracts and processes are up to date and in line with best practice.
Then, if you find anomalies in your employment contracts, may I suggest you rectify them at your earliest, and if you need assistance to do this, may I also invite you to make contact, and we’ll provide the advice and support you need.
For legal advice about employment contracts please contact Zac Herps on +61 (0) 7 3007 2080 or email contact@executivestrategies.com.au
Click here to download your Employment Contract Must Haves Checklist
Executive Strategies is a specialised information hub for executives and senior managers who may have founded their own business or who work for growing private, ASX listed companies or government businesses. Its purpose is to provide access to specialist advisers and information that addresses the often-complex issues affecting their personal prosperity.
The information in this article is intended only to provide a general overview and has not been prepared with a view to any particular situation or set of circumstances. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. While we attempt to ensure the information is current and accurate, we do not guarantee its currency and accuracy. You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the information in this blog as it may not be appropriate for your individual circumstances.
