What defines an employment contract?

An employment contract is fundamentally characterized as an agreement between an employer and employee that outlines the terms of employment. This document serves to clarify the rights and responsibilities of both parties, including details such as job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, duration of employment, and grounds for termination. The clarity provided by an employment contract helps to reduce misunderstandings and disputes that might arise during the employment relationship.

The other options do not pertain directly to the definition of an employment contract. While laws protecting employees from discrimination are crucial for workplace fairness, they do not define the contractual relationship. Similarly, a non-disclosure agreement focuses on confidentiality regarding sensitive information, which is a separate legal instrument. A document that applies for a patent is unrelated to employment entirely, as it pertains to intellectual property rights. Thus, the defining feature of an employment contract is its role as a mutual agreement that delineates the working relationship.