Iowa employment contract template

Iowa Employment Contract

This Employment Contract (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of [Date of Signing] by and between:

• [Company Name], a [Legal Entity, e.g., Corporation] with its principal place of business at [Company Address], and whose contact person is [Contact Person] (the "Employer"),
• and
• [Employee Full Legal Name], residing at [Employee Address], with contact information [Employee Phone Number] and [Employee Email Address] (the "Employee").

1. Employment Details

• Job Title and Responsibilities:
  • Option A: The Employee shall be employed as [Job Title] and shall perform the duties and responsibilities as described in [Job Description Document or Attached Exhibit].
  • Option B: The Employee shall be employed as [Job Title] and shall perform the following duties: [List of Detailed Responsibilities].
• Reporting Structure:
  • Option A: The Employee shall report directly to [Supervisor's Name and Title].
  • Option B: The Employee shall report to the [Department/Team] as directed by [Department Head/Team Lead].
• Work Location:
  • Option A: The Employee's primary work location shall be at [Work Address].
  • Option B: The Employee's work location may be at various locations as required by the Employer, including [List of Possible Locations].
  • Option C: Remote Work: The Employee will primarily work remotely from [Employee's Home Address or Specify Other Remote Location], subject to Employer's remote work policies.
• Type of Employment:
  • Option A: Full-Time
  • Option B: Part-Time
  • Option C: Temporary
  • Option D: Seasonal
  • Option E: Contract-Based (Specify terms in Section 3)
• FLSA Status:
  • Option A: Exempt (from overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act).
  • Option B: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act).

2. Term of Employment

• Fixed Term:
  • Option A: This Agreement shall commence on [Start Date] and shall continue until [End Date]. Renewal of this agreement will be subject to [Renewal Criteria, e.g., satisfactory performance evaluation].
  • Option B: Performance Evaluation: The Employee's performance will be evaluated on [Evaluation Frequency, e.g., annually] based on the following criteria: [List Performance Evaluation Criteria].
• At-Will:
  • Option A: This is an at-will employment relationship. Both the Employer and the Employee have the right to terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, subject to applicable law. This is consistent with Iowa's presumption of at-will employment. However, termination cannot violate public policy or anti-discrimination laws.
  • Option B: (If a Notice Period is Desired): While this is an at-will employment relationship, the Employer or Employee shall provide [Number] days' written notice of termination.

3. Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation:
  • Option A: Base Salary: The Employee's base salary shall be [Salary Amount] per [Pay Period, e.g., year], payable [Payment Frequency, e.g., bi-weekly].
  • Option B: Hourly Wage: The Employee's hourly wage shall be [Hourly Wage Amount], payable [Payment Frequency, e.g., bi-weekly].
  • Option C: Overtime: The Employee is [Eligible/Not Eligible] for overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and Iowa law. Overtime will be paid at a rate of one and one-half (1.5) times the Employee's regular hourly rate for hours worked over forty (40) in a workweek.
  • Option D: Commissions: The Employee is eligible to receive commissions as described in [Commission Plan Document or Attached Exhibit].
  • Option E: Bonuses: The Employee is eligible to receive bonuses as described in [Bonus Plan Document or Attached Exhibit].
  • Option F: Raises/Review Schedule: The Employee's performance and compensation will be reviewed [Review Frequency, e.g., annually].
• Benefits:
  • Option A: Health Insurance: The Employee is [Eligible/Not Eligible] for health insurance coverage, subject to the terms and conditions of the Employer's health insurance plan.
  • Option B: Dental Insurance: The Employee is [Eligible/Not Eligible] for dental insurance coverage, subject to the terms and conditions of the Employer's dental insurance plan.
  • Option C: Vision Insurance: The Employee is [Eligible/Not Eligible] for vision insurance coverage, subject to the terms and conditions of the Employer's vision insurance plan.
  • Option D: Retirement Plan/401(k): The Employee is [Eligible/Not Eligible] to participate in the Employer's retirement plan/401(k) plan, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.
  • Option E: Sick Leave: The Employee is eligible for [Number] days of paid sick leave per [Time Period, e.g., year], in accordance with the Employer's sick leave policy.
  • Option F: Vacation/PTO: The Employee is eligible for [Number] days of paid vacation/PTO per [Time Period, e.g., year], in accordance with the Employer's vacation/PTO policy.
  • Option G: Holidays: The Employee is eligible for [Number] paid holidays per year, as designated by the Employer.
  • Option H: Life Insurance: The Employee is [Eligible/Not Eligible] for life insurance coverage, subject to the terms and conditions of the Employer's life insurance policy.
  • Option I: Disability Insurance: The Employee is [Eligible/Not Eligible] for short-term and/or long-term disability insurance coverage, subject to the terms and conditions of the Employer's disability insurance policy.
  • Option J: Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The Employee is [Eligible/Not Eligible] to participate in the Employer's Employee Assistance Program.
  • Option K: Other Benefits: [List any other benefits, e.g., tuition reimbursement, gym membership].
• Deductions: All compensation will be subject to deductions required by law, including federal and state income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare.

4. Work Hours

• Expected Schedule: The Employee's expected work schedule is [Days of the Week], from [Start Time] to [End Time].
• Overtime: All overtime work must be approved in advance by [Supervisor's Name or Title]. Overtime will be compensated in accordance with Section 3 above and applicable Iowa law and the FLSA.
• Meal and Rest Breaks: The Employee is entitled to meal and rest breaks as required by Iowa law. [Specify break policy or reference company handbook].
• Timekeeping: The Employee is responsible for accurately recording their work hours in accordance with the Employer's timekeeping procedures.

5. Employee Conduct and Policies

• Standards of Conduct: The Employee shall conduct themselves professionally and ethically at all times and shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Dress Code: The Employee shall adhere to the Employer's dress code, as outlined in [Dress Code Policy Document or Company Handbook].
• Performance Standards: The Employee shall meet the performance standards established by the Employer for their position.
• Company Policies and Handbooks: The Employee shall comply with all of the Employer's policies and procedures, as outlined in the Employee Handbook and other company policies.
  • Option A: Acknowledgment of Handbook: The Employee acknowledges receipt of the Employee Handbook.
• Additional Workplace Rules: [List any additional workplace rules].

6. Intellectual Property

• Ownership: All inventions, copyrights, trade secrets, and other intellectual property created by the Employee during the course of their employment with the Employer shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Employer.
• Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality: The Employee agrees to hold confidential all confidential information of the Employer, both during and after the term of employment.
• Option A: IP Assignment: The Employee agrees to assign all rights, title, and interest in and to any intellectual property created during their employment to the Employer.
• Option B: Creative Works: The Employee acknowledges that all creative works produced during the employment relationship are "works made for hire" as defined under the Copyright Act.
• Option C: Inventions: The Employee will promptly disclose all inventions conceived or reduced to practice during employment to the Employer.

7. Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation, and Non-Disparagement

• Non-Competition:
  • Option A: The Employee agrees that during the term of employment and for a period of [Number] months/years after termination of employment, the Employee will not, directly or indirectly, engage in any business that is competitive with the Employer's business within a [Geographic Area, e.g., 50-mile radius of the Employer's principal place of business]. Note: Iowa law permits reasonable non-compete agreements. Reasonableness is determined by scope, duration, and geographic reach.
  • Option B: (No Non-Competition Clause): The Employee is not subject to a non-competition agreement.
• Non-Solicitation:
  • Option A: The Employee agrees that during the term of employment and for a period of [Number] months/years after termination of employment, the Employee will not solicit any of the Employer's customers or employees.
  • Option B: (No Non-Solicitation Clause): The Employee is not subject to a non-solicitation agreement.
• Non-Disparagement:
  • Option A: The Employee agrees not to disparage the Employer, its products, services, or employees, either during or after the term of employment. The Employer agrees not to disparage the Employee, either during or after the term of employment.
  • Option B: (No Non-Disparagement Clause): The Employee and Employer are not subject to a non-disparagement agreement.

8. Termination

• Grounds for Termination:
  • Option A: Cause: The Employer may terminate the Employee's employment for cause, which shall include, but not be limited to, [List Examples of Cause, e.g., misconduct, insubordination, violation of company policy].
  • Option B: Without Cause: The Employer may terminate the Employee's employment without cause, subject to the notice provisions in Section 2, if applicable.
  • Option C: Mutual Agreement: The Employee's employment may be terminated by mutual written agreement of the Employer and the Employee.
  • Option D: Death or Disability: The Employee's employment will terminate automatically upon the Employee's death or disability.
• Notice Period: Refer to Section 2 regarding notice period for at-will employment, if applicable.
• Severance:
  • Option A: The Employee shall be entitled to severance pay upon termination without cause, as follows: [Specify Severance Terms, e.g., one week's pay for each year of service].
  • Option B: The Employee shall not be entitled to any severance pay upon termination.
• Final Pay: The Employee's final paycheck, including all accrued and unused vacation time, will be paid to the Employee within the time frame required by Iowa law [Specify timeframe if known. Iowa law mandates payment by the next regular payday.], and will include an itemized statement of deductions.
• Return of Company Property: Upon termination of employment, the Employee shall immediately return all company property, including, but not limited to, computers, cell phones, documents, and keys.
• Exit Interview: The Employee shall participate in an exit interview with the Employer upon termination of employment.
• Continuation of Benefits: The Employee may be eligible to continue health insurance coverage under COBRA, subject to the terms and conditions of COBRA.
• Settlements/Waivers: [Specify any required settlements or waivers, e.g., waiver of claims in exchange for severance].

9. Equal Employment Opportunity

The Employer is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. This is consistent with both federal EEOC laws and Iowa Civil Rights Act.

• Option A: (Detailed EEOC Language): The Employer is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions will be made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

10. Health and Safety

The Employer is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace in accordance with federal OSHA and Iowa OSHA requirements.

• Duty to Report Injuries: The Employee shall immediately report any work-related injuries or illnesses to [Designated Person/Department].
• Workers' Compensation: The Employee is covered by the Employer's workers' compensation insurance, in accordance with the Iowa Workers' Compensation Act.
• Option A: (Detailed Occupational Safety Requirements): The Employer will provide training and resources to ensure the Employee's safety and health. The Employee is responsible for following all safety procedures and using all required safety equipment.

11. Wage and Hour Compliance

The Employer complies with all applicable federal and Iowa state wage and hour laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Iowa Wage Payment Collection Act.

• Wage Notice: At the time of hire, the Employee has received written notification of their pay rate, payday, place of payment, and any legal deductions, in compliance with Iowa law. This is a required disclosure under Iowa law.

12. Dispute Resolution

• Internal Grievance Procedures: [Specify internal grievance procedures, if any].
• Option A: Mediation: Any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved through mediation in [City, State], before resorting to litigation or arbitration.
• Option B: Arbitration: Any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved through binding arbitration in [City, State], in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Note: Arbitration clauses must be enforceable under Iowa law.
• Option C: Litigation: Any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved in the courts of the State of Iowa.
• Applicable Law: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Iowa.
• Venue and Jurisdiction: The venue for any legal action arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be [Specify County] County, Iowa.

13. Employee Privacy and Monitoring

• Use of Employer Equipment: The Employee's use of the Employer's equipment, including computers, cell phones, and internet access, is subject to the Employer's policies.
• Social Media and Internet Use: The Employee's use of social media and the internet must comply with the Employer's social media and internet use policies.
• Data Protection: The Employee shall protect the confidentiality and security of all data to which they have access.
• Option A: (Monitoring Policy): The Employer may monitor the Employee's use of company equipment and systems, subject to applicable law.

14. Industry-Specific Clauses

• [Include any industry-specific clauses required by federal or Iowa law or regulatory agencies, such as healthcare, education, finance, or transportation. Examples: Licensure, Background Checks, Drug and Alcohol Testing]

15. Miscellaneous Provisions

• Modification/Amendment: This Agreement may be modified or amended only by a written instrument signed by both the Employer and the Employee.
• Integration: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether oral or written.
• Assignment: The Employer [May/May Not] assign this Agreement to any subsidiary, affiliate, or successor. The Employee may not assign this Agreement.
• Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
• Waiver: No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party against whom the waiver is sought to be enforced.

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

____________________________
[Employer Name]

By: ____________________________
[Employer Representative Name and Title]

____________________________
[Employee Full Legal Name]

Date: ____________________________