Why Your Business Needs Bespoke Employment Contracts, Not Google Templates

Many business owners believe a free contract from Google is good enough to get started. It seems simple: download, change a few names, and you’re covered. The problem is, you’re not.

An employment contract is more than a formality. It’s a legal document that defines the working relationship between you and your employee. When it’s done properly, it protects both sides. When it’s copied from the internet, it often creates confusion, risk, and potential legal trouble.

Every business operates differently. You might pay above Award, offer flexible hours, or provide specific benefits. A generic template won’t reflect those details. It also won’t keep up with Fair Work obligations, Modern Awards, or National Employment Standards. So, while you think you’ve got protection in place, you may actually have gaps big enough to cause problems later.

Without a clear, tailored contract, you could face:

• Disputes over hours, duties, or pay

• Uncertainty about termination clauses

• Conflicts about entitlements or bonuses

• Difficulty enforcing expectations

Most of these issues can be avoided when the contract reflects your actual business practices.

At Becoming HR, I’ve worked with countless small businesses who discovered too late that their “template contract” didn’t cover what they thought it did. One client had an employee dispute over overtime pay. The contract they downloaded from Google didn’t reference the correct Award or classification. We updated their contracts to match the right Award, clarified working hours, and added policies that supported their operations. The next time a similar issue arose, they were confident and covered.

Here’s what makes bespoke contracts so important:

• They reflect your business, not someone else’s
  A tailored contract sets out terms that match your actual operations, hours, and expectations. It eliminates ambiguity and keeps everyone clear on their obligations.

• They keep you compliant with the law
  Fair Work laws change regularly. A contract drafted even two years ago might already be outdated. A bespoke agreement ensures your documents align with current legislation and Awards.

• They protect your interests
  Your contract should clearly outline confidentiality, notice periods, and any conditions unique to your industry. Generic templates often miss these critical details.

• They help manage risk
  A well-drafted contract can prevent disputes from escalating. It becomes your first line of defence when things go wrong.

• They set the tone for professionalism
  A clear, customised contract shows your employees that your business is serious, organised, and committed to fairness. It builds trust from day one.

Getting the right contracts in place is not about adding paperwork; it’s about protecting what you’ve built. The upfront investment is small compared to the cost of fixing mistakes later.

If you’re still using Google templates or old documents, now is the time to make the change.

At Becoming HR, we help small business owners create bespoke employment contracts that are compliant, practical, and suited to their specific needs.

Ready to protect your business with confidence?
Reach out to Becoming HR to review your current contracts and ensure they’re working for you, not against you.