Compensation
Detailed salary, bonus formulas, commission rates, equity award schedules, payment timing, and any clawback or recovery provisions to avoid ambiguity.
An exhibit provides clarity and modularity: it keeps the main employment contract concise while placing technical, numeric, or role-specific terms in a separable, updateable attachment. That arrangement reduces ambiguity about pay, deliverables, or post-termination obligations.
Typical parties and internal owners responsible for completing the exhibit.
The signed exhibit usually returns to HR and the employee for retention in the personnel file and payroll records.
Detailed salary, bonus formulas, commission rates, equity award schedules, payment timing, and any clawback or recovery provisions to avoid ambiguity.
Clear description of role, job duties, reporting relationships, and performance metrics used for evaluations or bonus eligibility.
Effective date, term length (if any), renewal mechanics, and whether the exhibit survives termination or is coterminous with the main agreement.
Exhibit-level confidentiality obligations, intellectual property assignment clauses, and any exceptions for prior inventions or permitted disclosures.
How compensation, equity vesting, severance, or post-termination obligations are handled if employment ends or in the event of a change of control.
Signature blocks for the employer and employee, printed names, titles, and dated signature lines to tie the exhibit to the agreement precisely.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Sequential signing: employer then employee |
| Authentication | Email plus optional SMS code for higher assurance |
| Template | Save exhibit as reusable template for similar hires |
| Notifications | Set reminders and completion confirmations for signers |
Ensure the platform you use supports required authentication, audit trails, and document formats before e-signing an exhibit.
Choose a configuration that balances user convenience with the authentication strength needed for your risk profile and regulatory obligations.
Exhibit should list an effective date (MM/DD/YYYY) before payroll changes take effect
Complete I-9 by hire date; retain per 8 CFR §274a.2 retention rules
Annual payroll reporting deadlines (W-2 by Jan. 31) must reflect exhibit-driven compensation
Retention periods generally begin at filing or termination date as applicable
Document and date any amendments immediately; unsigned changes are unenforceable
Prepare exhibit terms and numeric schedules for review
Counsel confirms compliance with wage, tax, and employment laws
Obtain manager and HR authorization before presenting to employee
Signatures dated and copies distributed to payroll and personnel files
Optica Ventures streamlined commission exhibits for remote reps
Fertility Centers of Illinois attached a clinical incentive exhibit
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | None | None | None |
| Criteria | Employment Exhibit | Offer Letter |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | detail terms | summarize offer |
| Formal Attachment | sometimes | |
| Amendment Allowed | ||
| Typical Use | compensation schedules | initial hiring terms |