A Tennessee employment contract establishes an employment relationship between an employer and a worker. An employment contract ensures both parties know what is expected of them, laying out the terms and conditions of employment, such as how much the employee will be paid by the employer, the hours they will work, and their job responsibilities. If the employer wishes to, they could include a confidentiality or non-disclosure clause to protect confidential information or trade secrets.
Employment Contracts: What to Consider as an Employer in Tennessee
There are labor laws and regulations in Tennessee that you need to know before you start writing your Tennessee employment contract.
At-Will
Tennessee is an at-will employment state.
Minimum Wage Laws in Tennessee
There is no state minimum wage law in Tennessee. Employers that are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act must pay the current federal minimum wage.
Employment/Age Certification in Tennessee
Tennessee does not require employment certificates or age certification. However, any employers of minors that are under 18 years old, must obtain and keep proof of the minor’s age on file. This could be a birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, state-issued identification, or parent’s oath as to the minor’s age.
Payday Requirements in Tennessee
Employers in Tennessee must pay employees on at least a semi-monthly basis.
Minimum Periods for Breaks and Meals in Tennessee
Minimum paid rest periods are not required in Tennessee, however, meal periods are. Employees that are scheduled to work six consecutive hours or more should be given a 30-minute meal period. The meal period should not be scheduled during or before the first hour of scheduled work activity.
Tennessee Employment Contract Sample
Below, you can download a Tennessee employment contract template in PDF or Word format.