In the workplace, contracts play a fundamental role in the relationship between employers and employees. There are various types of contracts that adapt to the needs of the parties involved and regulate the rights and obligations of each one. In this article, we will explore the 7 most common types of employment contracts and their characteristics. Understanding these types of contracts is essential to ensuring fair and equitable employment relationships.

1. Permanent contract

The permanent contract is one of the most common types of employment contracts. In this type of contract, the employment relationship between the employee and the employer does not have a specific duration and remains in force until one of the parties decides to terminate the employment relationship. This type of contract provides stability to the employee, since it does not have an established end date and can continue working in the company indefinitely.

Characteristics of the indefinite contract:

  • It does not have an established end date.
  • It provides job stability to the employee.
  • The employer can dismiss the employee with notice or compensation, according to current labor legislation.
  • The employee can resign from the job without having to justify his decision.

2. Temporary contract

The temporary contract is one that has an established duration from the beginning of the employment relationship. This type of contract is used to cover specific needs of the company on a temporary basis, such as production peaks, projects with a specific end date, or replacements due to temporary absences of regular employees. At the end of the period established in the contract, the employment relationship is automatically terminated, unless both parties agree to its renewal.

Characteristics of the temporary contract:

  • It has a duration established from the beginning of the employment relationship.
  • It is used to cover temporary needs of the company.
  • At the end of the contract, the employment relationship is automatically terminated.
  • It can be renewed in case of agreement between both parties.

3. Contract for specific work or service

The contract for specific work or service is used when the employer needs to cover a specific and specific work or service. In this type of contract, the duration is linked to the completion of the task for which the employee was hired. Once the specific work or service is completed, the employment relationship comes to an end automatically, without the need for prior notice from both parties.

Characteristics of the specific work or service contract:

  • It is used for specific and specific jobs or services.
  • The duration of the contract is linked to the completion of the task for which the employee was hired.
  • Upon completion the work or service, the employment relationship ends automatically.
  • No prior notice of termination by any of the parties is necessary.

4. Part-time contract

The part-time contract is one in which the working day is less than the full day established in the collective agreement or labor legislation. This type of contract is ideal for those people who want to work fewer hours or who have other responsibilities that prevent them from dedicating a full day to work. Part-time employees have the same rights as full-time employees, but their benefits are calculated in proportion to the hours worked.

Characteristics of the part-time contract:

  • The working day is less than the full day established in the collective agreement.
  • It is ideal for people who want to work fewer hours or who have other responsibilities.
  • Employees Part-time workers have rights comparable to full-time employees.
  • Benefits are calculated in proportion to the hours worked.

5. Internship contract

The internship contract is designed so that recent graduates can gain work experience in their field of study. This type of contract has a specific duration, during which the employee receives theoretical and practical training in the company. The main objective is to facilitate the labor insertion of young people and improve their employability through a first paid work experience.

Characteristics of the internship contract:

  • Aimed at young people recent graduates.
  • It has a fixed duration with a maximum of two years.
  • The employee receives theoretical and practical training in the company.
  • The objective is to facilitate the labor insertion of young people and improving their employability.

6. Relief contract

The relief contract is formalized when an employee in a situation of partial retirement is replaced by another worker who must cover part of his or her working day. This type of contract allows companies to plan the succession of employees who take partial retirement and guarantee the transfer of knowledge and experience to new generations. The relief contract is an attractive option both for workers close to retirement and for young people who want to enter the labor market.

Characteristics of the relief contract:

  • It is formalized when an employee in a situation of partial retirement is replaced by another worker.
  • The new worker covers a part of the working day of the partially retired employee.
  • It facilitates the succession of employees. employees who are partially retiring and the transfer of knowledge and experience.
  • It benefits both workers close to retirement and young people entering the labor market.

7. Interim contract

The interim contract is used to temporarily cover the job of an employee who is on leave, maternity, paternity or another cause that implies a temporary absence in the company. This type of contract has a specific duration and ends when the regular employee returns to the job. The objective is to ensure business continuity and avoid an interruption in the company's activities due to temporary absences of regular employees.

Characteristics of the interim contract:

  • It is used to temporarily cover the position of an employee absent due to leave, maternity, paternity or other cause.
  • It has a specific duration and ends upon the return of the regular employee.
  • It guarantees continuity of the business and avoids interruptions in the company's activities.
  • It provides job stability to the worker hired on a temporary basis.

In conclusion, the different types of employment contracts are They adapt to the specific needs of employers and employees, clearly and transparently regulating the working conditions and the rights and obligations of both parties. It is important to know each of these types of contracts in depth to be able to choose the most appropriate one in each work situation and guarantee fair and equitable labor relations.