Employee Contracts

Is anybody using employee contracts ? If so could you post some samples ? I have been thinking of making one up for my employees becuase of them knowing alot of the accounts and managers of properties . Just in case they get a bright idea of going to work for themselves or others and tring to steal accounts . Thanks for any input.

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

Would you be looking for some kind of non-compete contract or something like that?

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Yes some kind of no compete and confidentiality contract is what I am looking for Steve.

[Steve]

We have seen a few of those on here in the past.

How about something like this:

EMPLOYEE NON-COMPETE AGREEMENT

For good consideration and as an inducement for_________________ (Company) to employ _________________________ (Employee), the undersigned Employee hereby agrees not to directly or indirectly compete with the business of the Company and its successors and assigns during the period of employment and for a period of _____ years following termination of employment and notwithstanding the cause or reason for termination.

The term "not compete" as used herein shall mean that the Employee shall not own, manage, operate, consult or be employed in a business substantially similar to, or competitive with, the present business of the Company or such other business activity in which the Company may substantially engage during the term of employment.

The Employee acknowledges that the Company shall or may in reliance of this agreement provide Employee access to trade secrets, customers and other confidential data and good will. Employee agrees to retain said information as confidential and not to use said information on his or her own behalf or disclose same to any third party.

This non-compete agreement shall extend only for a radius of ________ miles from the present location of the Company and shall be in full force and effect for ________ years, commencing with the date of employment termination.

This agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties, their successors, assigns, and personal representatives.

Signed this _____ day of ________________________ 20____.



_______________________________________
Company


_______________________________________
Employee

I guess you could play around with that and make it work for you and your situation. Keep in mind you can't have these last too long. Each state is different. But from what we have seen 2 or 4 years has been about the average but you will need to investigate this further to be sure.

Were you getting a feeling from any of your employees that they may try to do this in the future? Or had you seen this happen to anyone else you know in your area?

I have talked with LCC in the area and they were telling me that they have had employees leave because another company hired them cause they knew contract prices and properties they had so they could under bid them . Its hard enough with all the low ballers but then to have employees giving out that kind of info really sucks !
Thanks Steve for your help.

[Steve]

You are welcome. I bet you could have in your employee contract that all of the information they know, especially pricing and all that is proprietary and can not be shared with other companies.

Maybe the contract above would be simple enough to scare them from trying to steal a customer from you once they left.

It does make you wonder though if there are ways to build up your customer bonds that would make it more difficult for others to steal that customer away from you.

[jasonw]

How about dont hire people you cant trust.