-
Employment Agreement in Ohio: Convincing Reasons Why It Matters
Employers looking to hire new employees must work towards protecting their business interests. And the same goes for employees who must work in an environment where their rights are protected. An employment agreement in Ohio can help achieve these by outlining employment terms while streamlining the working relationship.
What is an Employment Agreement, and What Does it Contain?
An employment agreement in Ohio is a legally binding document between an employer and a new employee. The agreement contains the agreed-upon employment terms and other details to establish a lasting professional working relationship.
The contract is mainly used for highly paid executives, permanent employees, and part-time and temporary workers. A company can also use the agreement when hiring freelance workers and contractors.
A standard Ohio employment contract can have the following information;
- Details of the company/employer
- Details of the employee
- Job title
- Duties and responsibilities
- Working hours
- Salary and benefits
- Vacation and time off
- Contract termination terms
- Restrictive covenants (non-compete and non-obligation)
With many types of employment contracts, you should expect different contracts to have varying information. For example, a teacher's contract of employment will have different details from a college job contract. So, when creating the agreement, ensure it has all the required information based on your industry, the job on offer, and the type of employee to hire.
Why Do You Need an Employment Agreement?
Acontract comes in handy for employers by clearly outlining the terms to be adhered to and the employee's obligations. This is key in eliminating disagreements while offering clear dispute-resolution techniques.
Employees will feel at peace knowing that when they complete their duties correctly and adhere to the terms of the agreement, their jobs will be secure and compensation guaranteed. The contract will also protect employees against harsh terms that can violate their rights.
Are Employment Contracts Enforceable in Ohio?
Employment contracts that adhere to contract laws are enforceable in Ohio. For an agreement to be legally binding, it must have an offer, offer acceptance, and consideration.
Although Ohio enforces restrictive covenants, like non-compete, there are stricter regulations governing them. A contract with a non-compete agreement is executed if it meets requirements like:
- Does not impose unwarranted hardship on the employee
- Does not violate public policy
- The terms must be reasonable
- Should protect legitimate business interests
The Legal Requirements for Ohio Employment Contracts
Ohio is very lenient when it comes to laws and regulations governing standard employment contracts. The agreements do not have to be in writing, meaning that even oral agreements are enforceable. However, it is wise to use a written and signed contract as it is easy to verify and use as proof.
In addition, the state requires all these agreements to adhere to Ohio labor laws. The agreements should also have reasonable terms that do not violate public policy. For instance, an agreement should not force employees to work for less than the Ohio minimum wage.
Ohio is an at-will employment state, meaning an employer and employee can terminate the working relationship at any time, with or without a valid reason. However, with an employment agreement outlining grounds for termination, an employee should instead be dismissed for reasons outlined in the contract.
Different Types of Employment Agreements in Ohio
Here are commonly used employment contracts;
- A permanent contract is used when hiring workers permanently.
- The fixed-term agreement is used when hiring workers for either a short or long term.
- A contractor agreement is used by a company, institution, or individual when hiring a contractor to handle a specific project.
Do you want to create an Ohio employment contract quickly and easily? There’s no better place for you than Forms.legal. We provide free Ohio employment agreement templates that you can complete online, download, and print.
Also check independent contractor employment agreement and generic employment contract here.