Unpacking the employment contract

by Mihlali Ncukana

AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT is an agreement (per week or month) are specifi ed for between an employee and employer. It is a fulltime and part-time workers. The benefi ts useful way to clarify various aspects of the could include medical insurance, provident post including one’s responsibilities and fund, travel, and other perks. benefi ts. In this way, confusion or misinterpretation can be avoided. Let us Leave examine the elements of a work contract. or a fi xed term with a starting and an end date. With the latter, there is no obligation of renewal or permanent The monthly or bi-weekly salary, benefi ts and allowances before deductions (as applicable), and working hours The contract will stipulate the types of leave Nature of a contract applicable, when the leave could be taken, if This defi nes if the contract is fulltime, part-time paid out upon termination of employment. appointment. Remuneration and working hours Contract of Employment Contract of Employment

leave could be accrued and if leave will be

Work environment

In these changing times, the contract will include whether the role is located in the company’s building or you will be required to work remotely or from home by relying on digital tools.

Policies and Procedures

Employees must familiarise themselves with the employer’s policies and procedures such as the disciplinary code, grievance procedures, research and intellectual property, private work, confi dentiality, confl ict of interest, procurement, safeguarding of equipment and security.

Contract of Contract of Employment Employment

Termination of employment

The conditions for termination of the contract by either party are specifi ed. Usually, the employee should give one month’s notice of termination.

Job description and key performance areas

The job description and key performance areas (KPAs) are usually stipulated in a separate document. These outline the key tasks to be performed and the responsibilities of the position. The KPAs refer to an employee’s scope of activities that are expected by the employer and are important for the overall performance of the organisation or a specifi c department or team. CU

Ensure that you scrutinise the contract carefully and even seek the opinion of other persons before signing it. Changing any clauses afterwards is almost impossible.