Avoid future disputes with clear and compliant employment contracts.

You may think that because you have a good relationship with an employee at the moment, they would never raise a dispute against you. This might be true… but…unfortunately, relationships can sour over time and as professional HR Consultants we can tell you that it’s more common than you might think.

We regularly meet frustrated business leaders who wish they had invested in robust employment contracts for each staff member when they had the chance. The good thing is, it’s not too late to get it sorted.

Why are employment contracts recommended?

Written employment contracts (also known as employment agreements) set out both party’s rights and obligations so there is no ambiguity. This means that employee relations issues that arise during or post-employment can be resolved fairly and easily because the terms of the relationship are very clear. Employment contracts also set out an employee’s entitlements such as those covered by the National Employment Standards (the NES).

Handshake deals or verbal agreements can often result in a frustrating situation for employers when a dispute occurs. Disputes often lead to poor outcomes for the employer because it’s one person’s word against another’s.

It’s a fact that the Fair Work Act 2009 supports employee rights over the employer’s – so why would you leave it to chance? Written employment contracts are an essential for any business that employs staff.

Gain peace of mind.

If you are unsure if your business is meeting its obligations in this regard, Industryus HR can conduct a review and let you know where you stand. This is a simple process where we identify gaps in employment documentation so you can understand whether it covers your organisation.

Our HR Advice Membership includes a comprehensive range of employment contract templates, so you are covered for every situation. Industryus HR members also qualify for our employment agreement drafting service.

Make things clearer with Position Descriptions (PDs)

Position Descriptions are an important element of new employment documentation as they set out responsibilities and other key aspects of a position such as reporting lines and key capabilities of the role. It’s recommended that all new employees receive a PD along with their employment contract.

PDs are a helpful tool for a range of workplace functions, including:

• For recruitment, as they give prospective employees an insight into the job being applied for. Providing a PD to a prospective employee also gives a professional and organised impression of the company to the candidate;
• For performance, as they provide an overview of the employee’s accountabilities such that it is clear what they are responsible for and who they are accountable to;
• For pay, as PDs provide a basis and comparison point for pay level grading and remuneration.

Developing PDs can be time-consuming but their benefits are many. By outsourcing these to Industryus HR, the job is done quickly and professionally, without pulling valuable resources from your teams into the project. 

Contact us to book in a free 30-minute Introductory Call, where an HR specialist can talk you through the available options for your workplace.