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10 min czytania 2 December 2025

What should an employment contract include?

Wondering what an employment contract should include? It’s a fundamental document that defines the terms of cooperation between employer and employee. Learn which elements are mandatory and why each is important.

What should an employment contract include

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is an employment contract?

An employment contract is the fundamental document regulating the employment relationship between an employee and an employer. It provides the basis for the performance of work under an employment contract, in accordance with labor law and the Labor Code. This form of employment provides the greatest degree of employment stability while clearly defining the rights and obligations of the parties.

What are the types of employment contracts?

An employment contract can come in several forms, such as a fixed-term contract, an indefinite-term contract, or a trial contract (a contract for a probationary period). Regardless of the type, its provisions must precisely describe the terms of employment, ensuring that the contract clearly regulates the employer’s and the employee’s obligations. This is important because providing work based on transparent rules protects both parties.

What should an employment contract contain?

According to the law, a contract must contain all key information regarding the work to be performed – including the type of work performed, the location of work, remuneration, working hours, contract type, and contract duration. These are the elements of a contract that are most often analyzed before signing to ensure its legal compliance.

Defining the precise content of a contract also facilitates the subsequent termination of an employment contract. The document must include information on the notice period to ensure that termination or termination of the contract is lawful. This is important both when the employment period ends and when the parties decide to terminate the relationship earlier.

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What should an employment contract include

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Mandatory Elements of an Employment Contract

For an employment contract to be valid and compliant with labor law, it must contain specific and clearly defined information. These elements of the contract ensure that work under the employment contract is performed legally and transparently for both parties. These requirements are described in the Labor Code, which specifies the content of the contract and the rights and obligations of the parties.

Parties’ Details

Every contract must precisely identify the parties to the contract – the employer and the employee. This is a key step in the process of entering into an employment relationship, as it determines the correct conclusion and subsequent signing of the contract.

Contract Type and Duration

The document must specify the contract type and duration. The most common types include:

  • a fixed-term contract,
  • an indefinite-term contract, and
  • a trial contract, which precedes the actual employment period and allows for the assessment of the employee’s qualifications.

Each of these contracts influences the terms of employment, the length of the trial period, and later also the notice period and the manner of termination.

Type of work performed and employment conditions

Another important point is the precise definition of:

  • the type of work performed,
  • the type of work,
  • the location of work,
  • the general working conditions.

This is the basis for ensuring that the provision of work—full-time, part-time, or flexible—is legal and clearly defined.

Working Hours

The contract must specify the working hours, e.g., full-time, part-time, or shift work. This component also specifies the rules for:

  • overtime work,
  • night work,
  • weekend and public holiday work,
  • remote work.

Compensation

Every contract must specify the remuneration, as well as whether it includes benefits and bonuses. The Labor Code requires that the salary be in line with the minimum wage, and that the employee be aware of when and under what conditions they will receive their payment.

Contract conclusion date and work commencement date

The document should specify:

  • contract conclusion date,
  • work commencement date.

Rights and obligations of the employee and employer

The contract should clearly outline:

  • the employer’s obligations, including ensuring safe working conditions (e.g., occupational health and safety training),
  • the employee’s obligations, including the proper performance of assigned tasks.

Every employee is also guaranteed employee rights, such as:

  • the right to paid leave,
  • vacation time,
  • the right to parental leave,
  • the right to maternity leave,
  • the right to sickness benefits,
  • access to health and social benefits,
  • the ability to use non-wage benefits.

Contract Termination Provisions

Every contract must specify the terms and conditions for:

  • contract termination,
  • employment contract termination,
  • contract termination.

It is important to specify the notice period, which depends on the length of employment and the type of contract.

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What should an employment contract include

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Additional provisions that may be included in an employment contract

In some cases, it is possible to add extended provisions, such as:

  • a non-compete clause,
  • financial liability,
  • working in difficult conditions,
  • specific rules if flexible work arrangements are involved.

Why is it important to read an employment contract carefully?

A thorough reading of the employment contract is one of the most important steps before entering into an employment relationship. This document defines the rights and obligations of the contracting parties, affects your employment security, and governs the terms under which work will be performed. It’s important to know what the contract should include, as these provisions will determine the future termination of the employment contract, the ability to take vacation time, and the amount of benefits you are entitled to.

What does an employment contract guarantee?

Employees are guaranteed numerous employee rights, such as paid leave, parental leave, maternity leave, sick pay, and access to healthcare and social benefits. The contract also provides non-wage benefits, such as allowances and bonuses, private healthcare coverage, and vacation subsidies.

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