Getting Started on an Employment Letter
Writing an employment letter can be an intimidating task, but with the right guidance and resources, it doesn't have to be2 min read
Writing an employment letter can be an intimidating task, but with the right guidance and resources, it doesn't have to be. With the rise in unemployment throughout the country, employers need to be especially sure that they’re taking the proper steps to create and implement employment agreements. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know to get started on writing an employment letter, specifically geared towards those based in New York and looking for counsel that understands local regulations.
Purpose of an Employment Letter
The purpose of an employment letter, or employment agreement, is to document the terms of an employee’s job. This document should delineate such things as duties, compensation, and intellectual property ownership. The goal of an employment letter is to ensure that an employer’s interest and employee’s rights and responsibilities are clear to each party.
Who Needs an Employment Letter?
An employment letter should be obtained for any job that requires an employee to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) or any that involves intellectual property or trade secrets. Additionally, any job lasting longer than three to six months should have an employment letter.
What Should Be Included?
An employment letter should clearly cover a variety of elements, including:
Job details and duties
Compensation information
Intellectual property ownership/rights information
Non-compete clause (if applicable)
Employee’s start and end dates (if applicable)
Termination and severance policy
Who Needs to Sign an Employment Letter?
Both parties, employer and employee, should sign the employment letter prior to the start of the job. It’s also a good practice to both have an original signed copy of the letter on file.
Where to Find Resources
In New York, there are plenty of resources available to help employers obtain the employment letter they need. One excellent resource is UpCounsel. UpCounsel is a network of experienced attorneys who provide high-quality, cost-effective legal services to businesses of all sizes. They’ve been trusted by Fortune 1000 companies to fulfill their legal needs, and can easily provide the resources to create an employment letter that is tailored to your specific needs.
Potential Pitfalls
When writing an employment letter, it’s important to be aware of potential pitfalls. The document should clearly delineate the respective rights and duties of both parties, and any policies regarding termination or severance must be included. It’s also important that the document be clear on compensation and intellectual property ownership. Finally, ensure that the the document is clear on employee obligations such as Paid Time Off (PTO), as well as the details of any non-compete clauses.
Final notions
Creating an employment agreement for any job requires planning, research, and attention to detail. Employers should consult a trusted legal resource such as UpCounsel to ensure that the document they create is thorough, clear, and in keeping with local regulations. Knowing what pitfalls to look out for and what essentials to include in the document will make sure that employers and employees alike are clear on each party’s rights and responsibilities.
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