Before signing any employment agreements, you need to verify that all clauses align with your rights and interests as a worker. An employment lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can help you review and negotiate terms. We recommend running through these items before you sign any paperwork:
Ensure the Outlined Duties Match the Advertised Position
You need to check that the job title and required duties match the position you applied to and interview for. In some scenarios, companies will advertise a far more attractive position than what the actual job requires. In other cases, you may accidentally accept an upper- or lower-level position without realizing what you’ve signed up for.
Verify Clear Salary and Benefit Terms
Your compensation terms are one of the biggest items you must review in your employment contract. Consider these questions:
- Are you paid hourly or on a salary basis?
- Does your performance impact your pay?
- Are you eligible for commission?
- Will you qualify for a bonus at any point, and if so, how much will it be and when?
- What affects your ability to qualify for a bonus?
- When will you qualify for a raise?
- Are you paid weekly or bi-weekly?
Your contract should answer these questions along with PTO terms, holiday schedules, and benefits. Your benefits might include insurance, ownership shares, retirement plans, and more. An employment lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can help you with contract negotiation strategies so you can secure more favorable benefits and compensation.
Check Start (and End) Dates and Termination Details
This may seem obvious, but your agreement should clearly define your official start date, and if it’s a contract agreement, it may include an end date. It might also include items like a probation period when you first start and a termination clause outlining how your employer must provide termination notice.
Review these items and severance terms carefully to ensure the contract protects your rights. Florida is an at-will employment state, so your employer can terminate you at any time without notice unless your contract offers protection. The contract might also include requirements on how you must notify your employer if you choose to quit.
Ensure the Working Hours and Location Terms Meet Your Preferences
Your contract will likely also define specific working hours, such as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and location terms. While the position might’ve been advertised as remote, the contract could mention in-person requirements. Be sure to review all location terms carefully and the time zone of the working hours to ensure that these terms meet your preferences.
Read All the Details on Sick Leave
Depending on whether you meet certain requirements, your employer may be obligated to provide you with unpaid sick leave and unpaid leave for family or medical reasons under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Your employer may also offer paid sick leave as a complimentary benefit in your employment package. Be sure to carefully read through all of these terms with your employment lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.
Look for Other Restrictive or Protective Clauses
Employment contracts often include various confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements to protect business assets and client privacy. You should read through these agreements and any restrictive covenants (non-compete clauses) or arbitration clauses to understand your full requirements when working for the employer. Accidentally breaking one of these clauses can land you in hot water, so ensure you understand what you’re signing before you do so.
Need Help Reviewing Your Contract?
If you need help reviewing your contract, speak with an employment lawyer in Fort Lauderdale today by calling Mark J. Berkowitz, P.A., at (954) 527-0570. Let our experience be your guide throughout the process.