Survey Finds 31% of US Workers Misunderstand Employment Contracts Despite 57% Reading Them Fully
Updated
Updated · HRD America · Jul 10
Survey Finds 31% of US Workers Misunderstand Employment Contracts Despite 57% Reading Them Fully
1 articles · Updated · HRD America · Jul 10
Summary
31% of U.S. workers said they were unaware of key terms in their own employment contracts, even though 57% reported reading their latest agreement in full before signing.
Goldberg Law Group's survey points to a comprehension gap: only 23% knew they had a non-compete, 13% recognized arbitration or non-solicitation clauses, and 10% identified intellectual property assignment language.
48% said they would feel embarrassed admitting they signed without fully reading, a dynamic the survey says may discourage workers from asking questions as hiring increasingly happens through digital links and e-signatures.
94% said contracts should be legally required to include plain-language summaries, and the report says HR walkthroughs or clearer onboarding explanations could reduce disputes and build trust.