How is the beginning of an employment contract commonly referred to?

The beginning of an employment contract is commonly referred to as the commencement date. This term is widely used in legal and employment contexts to denote the official start of the employment relationship as outlined in the contract. It marks the point in time when the employee is expected to begin performing their duties and when the employer begins their obligations under the contract.

Understanding the significance of this term is crucial for both employers and employees, as it clarifies the timeline for various rights and responsibilities established in the employment agreement. The commencement date is vital for determining eligibility for benefits, pay schedules, and any probationary periods that may be included in the contract.

In contrast, terms like job initiation, start date, and onboarding date may refer to related concepts, but they do not carry the same formal legal weight as "commencement date." For example, while "start date" is often used in casual conversation to mean the same thing, it may not always align with the language utilized in a legal document. Onboarding date might refer to the process of integrating an employee into the organization, which includes training and orientation, but does not define the start of the contractual relationship itself.