Alex Denne
Growth @ Genie AI | Introduction to Contracts @ UCL Faculty of Laws | Serial Founder

Drafting Temporary Employment Agreements

23 Mar 2023
35 min
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Note: Want to skip the guide and go straight to the free templates? No problem - scroll to the bottom.
Also note: This is not legal advice.

Introduction

Temporary employment agreements have become an essential component of the modern workplace. Without a legally binding agreement in place, both employers and employees can face considerable risks. From financial losses to liabilities for negligence, the importance of these agreements cannot be overstated. Fortunately, the Genie AI team is providing free access to high quality legal documents, as well as step-by-step guidance on drafting and customizing these documents. With this knowledge and template library at hand, anyone can create a secure temporary work environment without having to worry about the risks normally associated with such arrangements.

The Genie AI template library is founded on millions of data points that help to define what constitutes a market-standard agreement in any given situation. This ensures that all parties know their rights and responsibilities in advance and are thus adequately protected should any disputes arise. Furthermore, having an agreement also provides employers with greater levels of certainty when it comes to planning budgets for temporary workers or implementing policies and procedures ahead of time. Not only does this allow them to plan further ahead but it also means they will not be liable for unpaid wages or damages resulting from negligent work if something goes wrong down the line - something that could prove costly without adequate protection in place beforehand.

In addition, employers can use temporary employment agreements to ensure their employees receive necessary training and support prior to commencing work - something that may not necessarily be afforded by other employment arrangements. It goes without saying then that creating a secure working environment should always involve such an agreement being put into writing before work begins - regardless of its duration or purpose - so as mitigate against any potential risks going forward.

It’s clear then why such agreements are so important when hiring staff on a temporary basis; they protect all parties involved while also allowing employers greater visibility over expected expenditures — allowing them peace of mind when taking on employees for short-term assignments or projects alike. And with Genie AI’s free templates available today, anyone can access the tools needed for constructing these documents quickly and efficiently; so why not join our community today? Read on below for more information about how you can get started now!

Definitions (feel free to skip)

Temporary Employee - An employee that is hired for a limited period of time to fill a specific job role.
Employment Agreement - An agreement between an employer and employee that outlines their roles and responsibilities, pay rate, and other conditions of employment.
Scope - The range or extent of a particular activity.
Probationary Period - A set amount of time that an employee is on trial in which their performance is reviewed.
Performance Standards - Guidelines or criteria that must be met by the employee to remain employed.
Disciplinary Procedures - A set of rules and regulations that must be followed by the employee or face consequences.
Compensation - Payment received in exchange for services performed.
Benefits - Additional forms of payment or services, such as health insurance or vacation time, that are offered to employees in addition to their salary.
Incentive Programs - Programs that provide rewards or bonuses to employees who meet certain criteria.
Minimum Wage - The lowest wage legally allowed to be paid to employees.
Overtime - Additional pay given to employees for working more than the normal number of hours.
Termination - The end of an employment agreement or relationship.
Notice Period - The amount of time an employee is required to give before leaving their job.
Indemnification - A legal process where one party agrees to be held responsible for any losses or damages caused by another party.
Intellectual Property - Creative works such as inventions, designs, or written works that are owned by the creator and can be legally protected.
Non-Compete - A clause in an employment agreement that prevents an employee from competing with their employer.
Non-Solicitation - A clause in an employment agreement that prevents an employee from soliciting any other employees or customers of the employer.
Confidentiality - A legal obligation that prevents the sharing of certain information.

Contents

  • Definition of temporary employee and what constitutes a temporary employment agreement
  • Defining the scope and purpose of the temporary employment
  • Components of a temporary employment agreement, including duration of employment and any specific terms or conditions
  • Establishing the start date and end date of the agreement
  • Specifying the hours and days of work
  • Providing detail on any probationary period
  • Clarifying expectations regarding performance
  • Outlining any applicable dispute resolution processes
  • Specifics of compensation, additional benefits, and incentive programs for temporary employees
  • Identifying any applicable pay rate and overtime provisions
  • Specifying any additional benefits or incentives
  • Employment law considerations when creating a temporary employment agreement, such as minimum wage, overtime, and other applicable laws
  • Ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal employment laws
  • Requirements for termination of the agreement and any applicable notice periods
  • Outlining the circumstances in which the agreement may be terminated
  • Specifying the notice periods and any applicable remedies
  • Indemnification provisions and any other applicable clauses
  • Defining any applicable indemnification clauses
  • Addressing any applicable intellectual property clauses
  • Confidentiality provisions and other important clauses
  • Outlining any applicable confidentiality provisions
  • Addressing any applicable non-compete and non-solicitation clauses
  • Finalizing the agreement, including signature requirements and any applicable filing requirements
  • Establishing signature requirements and verifying signatures
  • Filing the agreement with the applicable government agency, if necessary
  • Obtaining any applicable employee identification numbers or other documents
  • Keeping a copy of the agreement on file with the temporary employee’s records

Get started

Definition of temporary employee and what constitutes a temporary employment agreement

  • Understand the definitions of a temporary employee and temporary employment agreement according to applicable state and federal laws
  • Research the temporary employee’s job duties and the duration of their employment
  • Determine whether the employee should be treated as an independent contractor or an employee
  • Decide whether the employment agreement should be verbal or written
  • Make sure that the agreement is compliant with applicable state and federal regulations
  • Checklist: Make sure you understand the definitions of a temporary employee and a temporary employment agreement, research the job duties and duration of employment, determine whether the employee should be treated as an independent contractor or employee, decide whether the agreement should be verbal or written, and make sure it is compliant with applicable state and federal regulations.

Once the checklist items above have been completed, you can move on to the next step.

Defining the scope and purpose of the temporary employment

  • Determine the length of the temporary employment agreement
  • Clarify the scope and purpose of the temporary employment, including the expected tasks and services to be provided
  • Address any particular conditions or terms related to the temporary employment, such as the employee’s eligibility for benefits
  • Outline the grounds for termination of the agreement by either party
  • When applicable, include any applicable statutory provisions or other requirements

You can check this step off your list once the scope and purpose of the temporary employment has been defined and the agreement has been drafted with any applicable conditions or terms.

Components of a temporary employment agreement, including duration of employment and any specific terms or conditions

  • Confirm the duration of employment: Is the job a full-time or part-time role? Is it a fixed-term or on-going role?
  • Create a detailed job description which outlines the duties and responsibilities of the temporary employee
  • Identify any special terms or conditions associated with the role, such as probationary period, working hours, or specific qualifications
  • Include details about the payment of wages, including frequency and method
  • Specify the expected hours of work, with associated overtime rates
  • Outline the employee’s eligibility for benefits
  • Note any applicable restrictions or obligations, such as confidentiality agreements or non-compete clauses
  • Include an agreement termination clause
  • Draft any applicable policies and procedures that may apply to the role

You’ll know when you can check this off your list and move on to the next step when you have all the components of the temporary employment agreement, including duration of employment and any specific terms or conditions, outlined and agreed upon.

Establishing the start date and end date of the agreement

  • Discuss with the employer and employee to determine the start date and end date of the agreement
  • Record the start date and end date of the agreement in the document
  • Once the start date and end date have been agreed upon and documented, the step can be checked off the list and the guide can move on to the next step.

Specifying the hours and days of work

  • Confirm the number of hours per week the employee will work
  • Confirm the days of the week the employee will work
  • Identify if there is any possibility of overtime
  • Specify the start time and end time of the employee’s work day
  • Note any applicable lunch breaks
  • Note any applicable holiday and vacation policies
  • When complete, add this information to the Employment Agreement
  • Check off this step and move on to the next step of providing detail on any probationary period

Providing detail on any probationary period

  • Consider whether a probationary period is needed for the specific job; if so, specify the length of the probationary period
  • Detail the goals, performance measures, and evaluation process for the probationary period
  • Outline any disciplinary measures that may be taken in the event that the employee does not meet expectations during the probationary period
  • Detail any additional offers of training or development that may be provided to the employee during the probationary period
  • Make sure that the probationary period is in accordance with relevant laws, such as the Fair Work Act 2009
  • When you have checked off all of these elements, you can move on to the next step of clarifying expectations regarding performance.

Clarifying expectations regarding performance

  • Review the job description and determine the duties and expectations of the temporary employee.
  • Determine the performance standards that should be met by the employee, such as meeting deadlines, following company policy and procedures, and producing quality work.
  • Draft language that outlines the performance standards and expectations.
  • Ensure that the employee understands the expectations.
  • Include a clause that states that the employee must comply with all applicable laws governing the position.
  • Once the language is clear and the employee has been made aware of the expectations, you can check this step off the list and move on to the next step.

Outlining any applicable dispute resolution processes

  • Identify the dispute resolution process you want to use for your temporary employees. Options could include court, arbitration, or mediation.
  • Put a clause in the agreement that outlines the dispute resolution process you have chosen.
  • Make sure the clause is clear and covers any potential dispute resolution scenarios.
  • Note any applicable laws that might affect the process.
  • Once the clause is finalized, you can check this off your list and move on to the next step.

Specifics of compensation, additional benefits, and incentive programs for temporary employees

  • Determine the applicable pay rate, including any applicable overtime rate, for the temporary employee - this should be in line with the pay rate for employees in similar roles
  • Describe any additional benefits or incentive programs that may be offered to the temporary employee, such as health insurance or vacation time
  • Outline any applicable conditions, such as the requirement for the employee to complete a minimum number of hours to be eligible for a certain benefit
  • Specify the duration of any incentive programs or benefits, ensuring that the employee is aware of any limits associated with them

You will know when you can check this off your list and move on to the next step when you have detailed the applicable pay rate, overtime rate, additional benefits, and incentive programs for the temporary employee in the agreement.

Identifying any applicable pay rate and overtime provisions

  • Research applicable laws, regulations and industry standards to determine the rate of pay for the temporary employee
  • Confirm whether the employee is eligible for overtime pay and if so, at what rate
  • Draft the appropriate language into the agreement, including any applicable overtime provisions
  • Review the agreement with legal counsel to ensure compliance with laws and regulations
  • When the agreement has been reviewed, you can move on to the next step: specifying any additional benefits or incentives.

Specifying any additional benefits or incentives

  • Decide what benefits, if any, you would like to include in the agreement, such as health insurance, vacation days, or a bonus structure.
  • Make sure any additional benefits or incentives are clearly stated and documented in the agreement.
  • Consider any potential tax implications that may arise from offering benefits.
  • When finished, review and make sure the agreement accurately outlines all benefits and incentives.
  • Once complete, you can move on to the next step in drafting a temporary employment agreement.

Employment law considerations when creating a temporary employment agreement, such as minimum wage, overtime, and other applicable laws

  • Check the applicable state and federal laws to ensure the agreement is compliant with all minimum wage, overtime, and other employment laws
  • Make sure the agreement specifies the hourly rate of pay and any overtime rules
  • Consult with an experienced employment lawyer to make sure the agreement is compliant with all applicable laws
  • Once the agreement is compliant with all applicable laws, you can move on to the next step.

Ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal employment laws

  • Research and review state and federal employment laws that are applicable to the temporary employee and ensure that the agreement is compliant with the applicable laws.
  • Consult with an attorney if necessary to ensure compliance.
  • Once you are confident that the agreement is compliant with all applicable laws, you can move on to the next step.

Requirements for termination of the agreement and any applicable notice periods

  • Draft the termination clause to set out the circumstances under which the agreement may be terminated, including any applicable notice periods
  • Check that the termination clause complies with applicable state and federal employment laws
  • Ensure that the clause is clear and unambiguous
  • Once the termination clause is drafted, you can move on to the next step: outlining the circumstances in which the agreement may be terminated.

Outlining the circumstances in which the agreement may be terminated

  • Identify and specify which scenarios may lead to termination of the agreement, such as if the employee fails to meet the requirements of the job or to comply with company policies
  • Outline the conditions that must be met before the agreement can be terminated
  • Specify the criteria that must be met before the agreement can be terminated, such as if the employee has engaged in illegal activities or has been absent without notification
  • Note any additional circumstances that may result in termination of the agreement

You can check this off your list when you have identified and specified each scenario that could lead to termination of the agreement and have outlined the conditions and criteria that must be met before it can be terminated.

Specifying the notice periods and any applicable remedies

  • Identify the notice periods for both the employer and employee in the event of termination.
  • Make sure to consider any applicable remedies, such as severance pay.
  • Record the notice periods and remedies in the agreement.
  • Check the agreement for accuracy, completeness, and clarity.
  • Once you have specified the notice periods and any applicable remedies in the agreement, you can check this off your list and move on to the next step.

Indemnification provisions and any other applicable clauses

  • Research applicable laws and regulations and determine the necessary indemnification language
  • Make sure to include language that protects the employer from the employee’s negligence, and vice versa
  • Consider indemnification provisions for third party claims or any other applicable clauses for the particular employment agreement
  • Draft the indemnification language and include in the agreement
  • Review the agreement to ensure all necessary indemnification language is included
  • When complete, move on to the next step in the process: defining any applicable indemnification clauses

Defining any applicable indemnification clauses

  • Review the state and federal laws that pertain to the employer and employee to determine the necessary indemnification clauses
  • Consult with an attorney to ensure that the indemnification clauses are legally enforceable
  • Draft clauses that clearly define the indemnification responsibilities of the employer and employee
  • Include the clauses in the temporary employment agreement
  • Check with the attorney for a final review of the agreement to ensure it is legally sound
  • Once the agreement has been reviewed and approved by the attorney, it is ready to be signed by both the employer and employee.

Addressing any applicable intellectual property clauses

  • Ensure you understand the scope of the intellectual property to be covered under the agreement, including identifying all relevant IP that the employer may need to use
  • Determine the ownership of the IP and who will have rights to use it
  • Decide how the IP can be used by the employer and their obligations
  • Include a clause outlining the employee’s agreement not to use the IP for any other purpose other than the job they are hired to do
  • Ensure that the employer has the right to continue to use any IP created or developed before or during the employee’s time of employment
  • When all the clauses have been agreed upon and signed, the agreement is ready to be checked off the list and the next step can begin.

Confidentiality provisions and other important clauses

  • Consider any confidentiality provisions that need to be included in the agreement
  • Draft the confidentiality provisions and other important clauses into the agreement
  • Ensure that any confidentiality provisions are in accordance with applicable laws
  • Ensure that any confidentiality provisions are written in a clear and concise manner
  • Make sure that the agreement is clear about what information is confidential, who is responsible for protecting it, and how it should be used
  • Check that all parties involved are in agreement with the confidentiality provisions and other important clauses
  • Once the confidentiality provisions and other important clauses have been agreed upon, the agreement can be finalized and signed by all parties.

Outlining any applicable confidentiality provisions

  • Review the position and related duties to determine what information and materials must remain confidential
  • Draft a confidentiality provision that outlines specific confidential information that must remain private and confidential
  • Draft a provision that prohibits the employee from disclosing confidential information to third parties
  • Draft a provision that requires the employee to return all confidential information and materials upon termination of employment
  • Once you have drafted and reviewed the confidentiality provisions, you can move on to the next step.

Addressing any applicable non-compete and non-solicitation clauses

  • Review the applicable laws to determine what non-compete and non-solicitation clauses can be included in the agreement.
  • Include the clauses in the agreement that are appropriate to the employee’s position, the company’s size, and the applicable laws.
  • Outline any restrictions on the employee’s activities, such as the geographic area they can work in and any specific business activities they are prohibited from engaging in.
  • Clearly define the scope of activities covered by the clause, such as how long it will be effective and which employees or customers are included in the clause.
  • Specify which remedies the employer can pursue if the employee breaches the agreement.
  • Make sure that the agreement does not place an undue burden on the employee.

Once all of the non-compete and non-solicitation clauses have been addressed, you can move on to the next step of finalizing the agreement.

Finalizing the agreement, including signature requirements and any applicable filing requirements

  • Review the terms of the agreement and ensure all points are satisfactory.
  • Obtain signatures from both parties on the agreement.
  • If required, file the agreement with the appropriate governing body such as the state labor board.
  • Once all required signatures and filings are complete, the agreement is finalized.

Establishing signature requirements and verifying signatures

  • Confirm the parties to be bound by the agreement and their legal capacity to sign
  • Determine if the agreement needs to be signed by a witness or notary
  • Make sure signatures are dated
  • If a witness or notary is required, ensure the witness or notary has identified the signatory
  • Make sure the signatures are in the correct locations
  • Check the signatures against the signature lines to ensure accuracy

Once the signature requirements are established and the signatures are verified, you can move on to the next step of filing the agreement with the applicable government agency, if necessary.

Filing the agreement with the applicable government agency, if necessary

  • Confirm that the applicable government agency requires the agreement to be filed with them
  • Gather any required documents or forms and complete them correctly
  • Submit the signed agreement and any other required documents to the applicable government agency
  • Receive and review any responses from the government agency
  • Make any necessary revisions or corrections, if applicable
  • When the government agency has accepted all documents and the agreement has been approved, you can check this off your list and move on to the next step.

Obtaining any applicable employee identification numbers or other documents

  • Speak with the temporary employee to obtain a valid Social Security Number or Employee Identification Number
  • Ensure the temporary employee completes and submits all necessary paperwork, such as a W-4 or I-9 form
  • Ask the temporary employee to provide any other documents or identification numbers needed to complete the employment agreement
  • Keep copies of all documents and identification numbers in the employee’s personnel file
  • When all paperwork is complete, you can check this off your list and move on to the next step.

Keeping a copy of the agreement on file with the temporary employee’s records

  • Make sure to make copies of the temporary employment agreement, both for the employer and the employee.
  • Have the employee sign the agreement and then keep a copy of it in the employee’s records.
  • Make sure that the agreement is stored securely in a physical location or online system.
  • You can check this off your list when you have made sure that the agreement is stored securely for both the employer and the employee.

FAQ:

Q: What is the best way to draft a temporary employment agreement in the US?

Asked by Ronald on April 1st, 2022.
A: Drafting a temporary employment agreement in the US requires a detailed understanding of relevant federal and state laws, as well as any applicable union or collective bargaining agreements. It is important to ensure that all parties involved understand their rights and obligations under the agreement, and that the agreement is tailored to the individual circumstances of each situation. In general, it should include details such as job title, start and end dates, job duties and responsibilities, wage information, benefits and leave policies, non-disclosure agreements, dispute resolution clauses, and other relevant provisions. It is important to ensure that all terms are clear and unambiguous to avoid potential disputes later on.

Q: How can I ensure compliance with EU regulations when drafting a temporary employment agreement?

Asked by Elizabeth on May 5th, 2022.
A: When drafting a temporary employment agreement for an EU-based employee, it is essential to be aware of all relevant EU regulations. For example, the Working Time Directive requires employers to provide their employees with a minimum amount of paid annual leave and rest periods. Additionally, the Temporary Agency Workers Directive requires that temporary agency workers receive equal treatment in terms of pay and working conditions compared to permanent employees. It is important to ensure that these requirements are reflected in the agreement. Additionally, employers should be aware of local laws which may impose additional requirements or restrictions on foreign employees.

Q: Are there any special considerations for drafting a temporary employment agreement for a technology company?

Asked by Mark on June 21st, 2022.
A: Yes, when drafting a temporary employment agreement for a technology company there are some special considerations which should be taken into account. For example, it may be necessary to include specific clauses regarding the ownership of intellectual property rights (IPR) and confidential information associated with the job role. Additionally, since technology companies often operate in a rapidly changing environment, it is important to ensure that the agreement can be easily updated or amended as needed. Finally, if the employee will have access to sensitive information or data it may be necessary to include additional provisions relating to data security and privacy protection.

Q: What types of dispute resolution clauses should I include in my temporary employment agreement?

Asked by William on July 7th, 2022.
A: Dispute resolution clauses are an important part of any employment contract as they govern how any disputes which arise between the parties will be resolved. Typically these clauses will include provisions regarding arbitration and/or mediation as well as any applicable rules or procedures which must be followed in order for those processes to take place. Additionally, employers may also want to consider including a provision regarding legal action which specifies that any disputes must first be resolved through an alternative dispute resolution process before resorting to litigation.

Q: How long should a temporary employment agreement last?

Asked by Charles on August 15th, 2022.
A: The duration of a temporary employment agreement should depend on the individual circumstances of each situation and can range from short-term contracts lasting days or weeks to long-term contracts spanning several months or years. Generally speaking, employers should strive to create agreements which are both flexible enough to accommodate changing needs but also provide employees with enough security so they know what they can expect while they are employed at the company.

Q: What are some common missteps when drafting a temporary employment agreement?

Asked by Betty on September 28th, 2022.
A: Common missteps when drafting a temporary employment agreement include failing to clearly define the scope of work for each party involved; not including sufficient detail such as job duties and responsibilities; not addressing issues such as intellectual property rights; not providing sufficient flexibility for changes; not addressing termination provisions; not addressing dispute resolution procedures; not properly accounting for taxes; and not taking into account local laws and regulations which may apply in certain jurisdictions. It is important to ensure that all of these issues are addressed adequately before signing an agreement in order to avoid potential problems down the line.

Example dispute

Temporary Employment Agreement Lawsuit

  • Plaintiff may raise lawsuit if employer has violated any of the terms of the temporary employment agreement or has not provided the agreed upon compensation or benefits.
  • Plaintiff may be able to prove that the employer has failed to comply with the terms of the contract, such as providing a safe and healthy working environment, or has not provided the agreed upon salary or benefits.
  • Plaintiff may be able to seek damages for any losses suffered as a result of the employer’s breach of the temporary employment agreement.
  • Damages may include unpaid wages or benefits, reimbursement of expenses, and/or compensation for any other losses suffered as a result of the breach.
  • Settlement may be reached through negotiation or mediation between the plaintiff and the employer, or the plaintiff may choose to take the matter to court.
  • If successful, the court may order the employer to pay damages or to provide other remedies to the plaintiff.

Templates available (free to use)

Temporary Employment Agreement

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