3 reasons you shouldn’t copy-paste employment contracts

4 days ago
2 min read

Hiring a new employee can be exciting! But before you reach for an old or generic employment contract, pause and consider the risks to your business or health practice.

Employment contracts are not a “one size fits all” document. In fact, using another employee’s contract without tailoring it to your new recruit can land you in hot water. Here’s why:

1. Every role is different

Your new team member may have a different role, type of engagement, or working arrangement. A generic contract often misses these nuances. That could mean mismatched duties, unfair conditions, or confusion about entitlements, none of which set your employee up for success. Low role clarity is also a recognised psychosocial hazard that can put your staff and business at risk.

2. Award Classifications Matter

Awards set out the rules for pay, hours, allowances, and entitlements. For example, allied health practices must comply with the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. Getting award classifications wrong can lead to underpayment or overpayment of wages and entitlements. This brings compliance risks that may include penalties, backpay claims, even criminal underpayment charges in certain cases.

3. Laws Change (and so should your contracts)

Workplace laws are subject to reforms. For example, the Fair Work Act changes in late 2023 tightened rules around fixed-term contracts. If your contracts haven’t been reviewed in the past few years, chances are they’re already outdated. And the problem is, contracts that don’t comply with the law are unenforceable. Learn more about recent changes to workplace laws >

What to do when you need an employment contract

A tailored employment contract protects both your business and your employee. It ensures compliance, sets clear expectations, and gets your new employment relationship off to a good start.

WorkPlacePLUS specialises in customising employment contracts for private practices, small businesses, medium enterprises, health services and community organisations. We’ll make sure your documents are legally compliant, practical, and designed to protect your business.