Rolling from one job to the next frequently will not look good on your CV, nor will it give you an opportunity for career growth. In some cases, however, you might be getting the short end of the stick from your current job. Some workers resort to strikes and court procedures to make their employers give them favorable work conditions and meet their demands. These options are not only expensive but also often ineffective.
Working with a law firm that offers professional arbitration and mediation services is your best bet to get your employer to yield to your demands. This option, unlike lengthy court battles, also assures you of an unstrained relationship with an employer after the dispute has been settled. Moreover, the lawyer you hire with this alternative comes with unbiased advice on the terms that will best meet your desires and help you draft a legally binding agreement.
As a novice, you might have no idea of the terms you should negotiate in your contract. The following are the terms a lawyer will center on to ensure that you get the best possible employment terms.
Employment Type
You can either be a fixed-term or at-will employee. At-will employment marks the most common employment form in most localities. In this option, either party can end the employee-employer relationship with or without a reason at any time. While it works best for you to jump ship as you would like, it also gives an employer the freedom to terminate your contract any time. With fixed employment, you are assured of employment for a specified timeframe. This way, you have reduced stress and can plan your future.
Compensation Structure
Your compensation is definitely essential and should increase to reflect the prevailing financial situation and your company’s growth. When negotiating your compensation structure, an attorney will keep in mind the minimum allowable wage for your position, along with the other benefits you should receive. He/she will also focus on your working hours, stipends, and job duties to come up with fair compensation for you.
Outside Employment
Most people forget to check whether outside employment is allowed in their contracts. This means you cannot take up volunteer opportunities and any other activities that might take up too much energy and time. This might not sound like an issue at first but will prove costly for you when you want to earn extra money on the side or take up a hobby.
Non-Compete Clause
You might leave your current employer amicably but be limited on your options after this with a non-compete clause. This clause restricts the employment opportunities you can pick after you leave and might even limit you from working in a similar industry as your previous employer. It is, therefore, important to have this clause negated or changed into a less restrictive one.
The above elements do not seem like much when aiming for an employment contract that will favor you. Without an attorney, your employer’s legal team will outwit you into accepting terms that only favor him/her. Any employment dispute that makes your work stressing should be handled by a skilled attorney to make your workplace a favorable one.
