Illinois employment contract template

Illinois Employment Contract

This Employment Contract (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of [Date], by and between [Employer Legal Name], a [Employer Legal Structure, e.g., Illinois Corporation], with its principal place of business at [Employer Address] (the “Employer”), and [Employee Full Legal Name], residing at [Employee Address], and whose [Employee SSN/Tax ID] is [Employee SSN/Tax ID] (the “Employee”).

1. Employment

Option A: Position

The Employer hires the Employee as [Job Title].

The Employee's duties include [Detailed Job Responsibilities and Scope of Work].

The Employee will primarily work at [Primary Work Location].

Secondary work location, if applicable: [Secondary Work Location].

Reporting Structure: The Employee will report to [Reporting Manager Title/Name].

Option B: Employment Type

Full-time

Part-time

Temporary

Seasonal

Internship

Option C: FLSA Status

Exempt

Non-Exempt

Note: Employee is [Exempt/Non-Exempt] under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Illinois law.

2. Term of Employment

Option A: Fixed Term

The term of employment begins on [Start Date] and ends on [End Date].

Renewal conditions: [Renewal Conditions, if any].

Performance/review milestones: [Performance or Review Milestones].

Option B: At-Will Employment

Employment is at-will, meaning either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, subject to applicable Illinois law.

Exceptions: [Any exceptions to at-will employment, or clarification of prohibited grounds for termination under Illinois law]. This includes protection against discrimination, retaliation, or violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act.

3. Compensation and Benefits

Option A: Base Compensation

Salary: The Employee’s annual salary is [Salary Amount], payable [Payment Frequency, e.g., bi-weekly].

Hourly Rate: The Employee’s hourly rate is [Hourly Rate], payable [Payment Frequency, e.g., bi-weekly].

Payment Method: [Payment Method, e.g., Direct Deposit].

Option B: Commission/Bonus

Commission: [Commission Structure Details].

Bonus: [Bonus Structure Details].

Option C: Overtime

Overtime: The Employee is [Eligible/Ineligible] for overtime pay.

Overtime will be calculated at a rate of one and one-half (1.5) times the Employee’s regular hourly rate for all hours worked over forty (40) in a workweek, as required by the Illinois Minimum Wage Law and federal regulations.

Option D: Wage Deductions

Wage Deductions: All wage deductions will comply with the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. [Specify any authorized deductions].

Option E: Benefits (Select all that apply; delete those that do not)

Health Insurance: [Health Insurance Details]

Dental Insurance: [Dental Insurance Details]

Vision Insurance: [Vision Insurance Details]

Disability Insurance: [Disability Insurance Details]

Life Insurance: [Life Insurance Details]

Retirement/Pension Plan: [Retirement/Pension Plan Details]

Profit Sharing: [Profit Sharing Details]

Stock Options/Equity: [Stock Options/Equity Details]

Paid Time Off (PTO): [PTO Details, including vacation, sick leave, and personal days]

Parental/Family Leave: [Parental/Family Leave Details]

Unpaid Leave: [Unpaid Leave Options]

Option F: Illinois-Specific Compliance

Compliance with the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act and applicable Cook County/Chicago paid sick leave ordinances will be maintained.

4. Employee Conduct

Option A: Working Hours and Scheduling

The Employee’s regular working hours are [Working Hours and Schedule].

Option B: Time Recording

The Employee must accurately record their time worked according to [Time Recording Procedures].

Option C: Attendance and Punctuality

The Employee is expected to maintain satisfactory attendance and punctuality.

Option D: Dress Code

The Employee must adhere to the Employer’s dress code, as outlined in [Dress Code Details/Reference to Handbook].

Option E: Employee Handbook

The Employee acknowledges receipt and understanding of the Employee Handbook.

Option F: Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination

The Employer maintains a strict anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policy, in compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act. [Reference to Policy Details].

Option G: Drug and Alcohol Policy

The Employee must comply with the Employer’s drug and alcohol policy. [Reference to Policy Details].

Option H: Technology and Equipment Use

The Employee must adhere to the Employer’s technology and equipment use guidelines. [Reference to Guidelines].

Option I: Additional Policies

[Any other company policies relevant to employee conduct].

5. Intellectual Property and Confidentiality

Option A: Confidential Information

The Employee agrees to protect the Employer’s trade secrets and confidential information.

Option B: Ownership of Intellectual Property

All inventions, trademarks, patents, copyrights, or other intellectual property created by the Employee during employment are owned by the Employer.

Option C: Assignment of Inventions

The Employee assigns all rights to any inventions created during the course of their employment to the Employer.

Option D: Return of Property

Upon termination, the Employee must return all company property and data.

Option E: Role-Specific Terms

[Additional IP/Confidentiality terms specific to R&D or executive positions, if applicable].

Option F: Exclusion of Intellectual Property and Confidentiality

(Optional: Remove this section for standard positions without IP concerns.)

6. Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation, and Non-Disclosure (Optional - Consult Illinois Law)

Option A: Non-Compete

[Non-Compete Clause Details, tailored for Illinois law, considering the Illinois Freedom to Work Act. Include duration, geographic scope, and consideration. Note: This clause is generally unenforceable for low-wage employees in Illinois. Employee is advised to seek legal counsel regarding this clause.]

Option B: Non-Solicitation

[Non-Solicitation Clause Details, tailored for Illinois law, considering the Illinois Freedom to Work Act. Include restrictions on soliciting employees and/or clients. Note: This clause is generally unenforceable for low-wage employees in Illinois. Employee is advised to seek legal counsel regarding this clause.]

Option C: Non-Disclosure

[Non-Disclosure Clause Details regarding confidential information, trade secrets, etc.]

Option D: Separation and Offboarding

[Specific separation and offboarding procedures related to the above clauses]

Option E: Voluntary Access to Counsel

Employer is providing a copy of this Agreement to Employee at least 14 calendar days before start date, giving Employee the opportunity to consult with an attorney regarding it.

7. Termination

Option A: Voluntary Resignation

The Employee may resign with [Notice Period, e.g., two weeks’] written notice to the Employer.

Option B: Termination for Cause

The Employer may terminate the Employee for cause, including but not limited to misconduct, poor performance, or breach of this Agreement.

Option C: Termination Without Cause

The Employer may terminate the Employee without cause.

Severance: [Severance Pay Details, if any].

Notice in Lieu of Severance: The Employer may provide [Number] weeks' notice in lieu of severance pay.

Option D: Layoff/Redundancy

In the event of a layoff or redundancy, the Employer will follow [Layoff/Redundancy Procedures].

Option E: Final Wage Payment

The final wage payment will be made in accordance with the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act.

Option F: Continuation of Benefits

The Employee may be eligible for continuation of benefits under COBRA and Illinois Continuation Coverage.

Option G: Post-Termination Obligations

Upon termination, the Employee must return all company property and refrain from disparaging the Employer.

8. Dispute Resolution

Option A: Mediation

The parties agree to attempt to resolve any disputes through mediation.

Option B: Arbitration

Any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved by binding arbitration under the [Federal Arbitration Act/Illinois Uniform Arbitration Act].

Option C: Waiver of Jury Trial

The parties waive their right to a jury trial.

Option D: Governing Law and Venue

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. The venue for any legal action shall be [County/City], Illinois.

9. Workers’ Compensation and Health and Safety

Option A: Compliance

The Employer will comply with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act and applicable OSHA and state workplace safety requirements.

Option B: Reporting Injuries

The Employee must report any workplace injuries to [Reporting Procedures].

Option C: Training

The Employee will participate in required health and safety training.

Option D: High-Risk Industry Procedures

[Detailed safety procedures for high-risk industries, if applicable].

10. Equal Employment Opportunity, Anti-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment

Option A: Policy

The Employer is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military status, arrest record, or any other protected characteristic under Illinois and federal law.

Option B: Reasonable Accommodations

The Employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Option C: Complaint and Investigation

The Employer has a complaint and investigation mechanism for addressing discrimination and harassment claims. [Reference to Policy Details].

Option D: Discrimination-Free Workplace

The Employer is committed to maintaining a discrimination-free workplace.

11. Additional Clauses

Option A: Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Option B: Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether oral or written.

Option C: Amendment

This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties.

Option D: Assignment

This Agreement may not be assigned or transferred by the Employee without the Employer’s written consent.

Option E: Notices

All notices must be in writing and sent to the addresses listed above.

Option F: Waiver

No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the waiving party.

Option G: Employee Handbook

The Employee acknowledges receipt of the Employee Handbook, which is incorporated by reference.

Option H: Signature

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Electronic signatures are permitted and shall have the same force and effect as original signatures under Illinois law.

Option I: Background Check

[Include background check consent if applicable]

Option J: I-9 Verification

Employee acknowledges the I-9 employment eligibility verification requirements.

Option K: Drug Testing

[Include drug testing consent if applicable]

Option L: Corporate Policies

[Specify any specific corporate policies, e.g., securities trading, whistleblower, privacy policies]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

[Employer Legal Name]

By: [Employer Representative Name]

Title: [Employer Representative Title]

[Employee Full Legal Name]

Signature: ____________________________

Date: [Date]