
When was the last time you looked at your employment contract?
If you’re like most people, it’s probably when you signed it.
But how much time has passed since you started this job?
This is important to appreciate because the more time that’s passed since you sign a contract, the more likely your current working arrangements aren’t reflected in it.
Think back to when you were first offered this job.
How long did you take pouring over the contract and the role description to understand what was expected of you and what you would receive in return?
Now consider how much your working arrangements have changed since then.
Has your role expanded?
Has your scope shifted?
Have your working conditions changed?
Have your working hours changed?
Are you reporting to the same people?
Are more people reporting to you?
Now, if you were to compare your signed contract with what you’re currently doing, how reflective would it be?
Let me put it another way.
If you were required to re-sign that same contract to continue working as you are today, would you do so?
Because that’s what you’re already effectively doing.
Every year that passes, you’re implicitly agreeing to the same contract until a new one is created.
So why not make this process more explicit?
Take a moment every year (at least) to review if what’s expected of you aligns with what you’re receiving in return – especially the parts about remuneration, benefits and titles!
This will make you more aware of whether the alignment has drifted materially, and it can also give you the confidence to seek out a more representative arrangement.