Having clear employee contracts is important. If you’re looking for an easier way to handle your employee or freelancer contracts and lay out employment terms, there are a few simple tips to manage contracts.
Use a template
Start with a basic template with a standard employment agreement. If you have more than one office, using a template makes sure that your contract terms are consistent across your offices. Make sure the template includes basic terms that comply with industry requirements, legislation, and internal corporate policies.
Put in place proper controls
Many companies have structured control at Head Office, with only minimal control locally. If you have to report to headquarters, putting in place controls and processes will mean your contracts can integrate into Head Office.
Be aware of customary practice
It’s important to know the differences in contracts that can occur due to industry or company policy. Keep up to date with employer legislation so you know for sure that everything is covered.
If you’re employing contract workers, make sure their contracts clearly describe the job
The easiest way to make sure that a contractor does what you’ve hired them to is to clearly lay out what you expect of them. Include job details, timelines, schedules and how feedback will be given. Include as much detail as you can, and include something that will allow you to revise the terms as the project progresses if you need to.
Simplify contract creation and review process
A lot of time in HR is spent on creating contracts. You could use a contract management system to simplify the process and help the HR department to create contracts with company policies and special clauses that match the individual job role. With the right solution, you can keep track of any contractual changes and get approvals with an automated workflow.
Update policies
Any change in employment law or company policy will mean that all your contracts will have to be updated. Moving contracts to a system that makes making these amends a simpler process will make it easier to keep to date.
Store contracts on the cloud
This will simplify your contracts process, as you won’t have to download, email or print contracts, making it much less likely that you will accidentally send the wrong one. Everyone who needs to can see the contract and keep an eye on it. Changes can be easily tracked, with both parties able to see what edits have been made and who made them. You can even allow staff to sign their contract in the cloud too, with an electronic signature.
Build contracts with a clause library
Contracts can be put together much faster, using pre-approved templates and clauses. Merge the pre-approved information with the unique terms for the individual employee.
Set up automatic renewals
If you use electronic contracts, set up reminders for when the contract is due to be renewed. This can be used to alert you of probation periods or temporary contracts nearing an end.
