Hiring your first employee? Or want to formalize existing arrangements in your small business?
This free employment contract template is designed to help Filipino employers onboard workers the right way—clearly, professionally, and legally.
What This Employment Contract Template Covers
This editable document includes standard provisions commonly required in local employment contracts:
- Job title and duties
- Working hours
- Probationary period
- Compensation and benefits
- Confidentiality
- Non-compete and non-solicitation clauses
- Termination terms
- Governing law under the Philippines
It’s simple enough for small teams or startups, but structured enough to help avoid future misunderstandings between employer and employee.
Who Should Use This?
✅ Startup founders hiring their first few team members
✅ Small business owners formalizing staff roles
✅ Freelancers hiring a part-time admin
✅ Anyone needing a basic employment contract in the Philippines
Just update the placeholders (names, address, job title, salary, etc.) and you’re good to go.
Quick Tips for First-Time Employers
✔️ List duties and responsibilities clearly. Be as specific as possible about what the employee is expected to do. Don’t just write “admin tasks” or “sales support.” This avoids confusion later on and makes performance reviews easier.
✔️ Keep a signed hard copy of the contract for both parties. This protects you and shows good faith.
✔️ Discuss the terms before signing. Don’t just hand it over. Walk your employee through the job expectations and ask if they have questions.
✔️ Set a clear start date and probation timeline. Some business owners forget this detail, which can cause HR issues down the line.
✔️ Match benefits with DOLE standards. Even if you’re a small business, basic government-mandated benefits like SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth are required by law.
Quick Tips for Employees Signing a Contract
✔️ Read every section before signing. Even if it feels awkward to take your time, it’s your right to understand what you’re agreeing to.
✔️ Ask questions if something’s unclear. Don’t assume things like work hours, holidays, or overtime pay. Clarify everything upfront.
✔️ Check the probation clause. Most contracts in the Philippines start with a six-month probation. Know when and how you’ll be evaluated.
✔️ Make sure your job duties match the role. If what’s written seems too broad or unclear, ask for a breakdown in writing.
✔️ Keep a copy of your signed contract. Store a digital version and a printed one in case you need it for future reference, especially for disputes or applying for benefits.
At HemosPH, we believe every Filipino entrepreneur deserves easy access to tools that help you succeed.
Check out more useful downloads under our Resources section.