• What counts as confidential, and what does not

  A blank list of kinds of information, and exclusions such as what is already public or independently developed.

• What the employee will do

  A list of duties: use only for work, no outside disclosure, share only with those who need it, keep it secure and report loss.

• Systems, other people's information and personal data

  Rules for devices and accounts, not bringing a former employer's confidential information, and handling personal information about others.

• Leaving

  Returning or destroying material, deleting it from personal devices, confirming in writing, and obligations continuing while the information stays confidential.

• Disclosures the employee is free to make

  A statement preserving lawful disclosures, reporting concerns, discussing pay and taking legal advice, plus work and ideas and a duty to report inventions.

An employee confidentiality agreement records what an employer treats as confidential, what is not, what the employee will do to protect it, rules for the employer's systems, other people's confidential information, personal information about others, what happens on leaving and what the employee remains free to disclose.

This blank form is completed by hand and signed by employer and employee. It says it does not by itself restrict where the employee may work afterwards. It also says nothing stops the employee making a disclosure they are entitled or obliged to make or discussing their own pay and conditions. What an employer may restrict, and what disclosures the law protects, vary by state, so a lawyer should check it for your jurisdiction.

Not sure? Talk to an attorney about your situation first.

These are separate documents, for different jobs.

• Non-disclosure agreementsKeep information shared between parties confidential.View document
• Confidentiality agreementsProtect sensitive information you need to share.View document
• Employment agreementsSet out pay, role and terms for an employee.View document
• Non-compete agreementsLimit competing work after someone leaves.View document

• A new developer joins and signs before access to code
• An employer sets rules on personal devices
• A departing employee confirms deletion of company material

• Employment agreementsSet out pay, role and terms for an employee.View document
• Offer lettersMake a job offer in writing, with its key terms.View document
• Employee handbooksThe policies and expectations for your staff, in one place.View document
• Workplace policiesSet out how your workplace runs on a specific issue.View document