Salary FYI

Employment Contract

Employment

A legally binding agreement between employer and employee that sets out the terms of employment, including duties, compensation, working hours, termination conditions, and restrictive covenants.

## Employment Contract

An employment contract formalizes the relationship between employer and employee. It provides legal certainty and protections for both parties.

### Common Provisions

- Job title and description.
- Salary and benefits.
- Working hours and location.
- Probation period.
- Notice period for termination.
- Non-compete and NDA clauses.
- IP assignment.
- Termination conditions.
- Dispute resolution mechanism.

### At-Will vs. Contract Employment

| Feature | At-Will (US default) | Contract (most countries) |
|---------|---------------------|--------------------------|
| Termination | Either party, anytime, any reason | Must follow contract terms |
| Notice period | None required (but customary) | Typically 1–3 months |
| Wrongful dismissal | Limited protection | Strong protections |

### International Context

Employment contracts are mandatory in most countries outside the US. The EU requires employers to provide written terms within 7 days of starting work.