Can workers sign my client's NDA or policies during onboarding?

Applies to: Staffing partners, and clients asking through their partner, who want workers to sign or acknowledge one of the client's own documents (such as an NDA, a code of conduct or a client policy) during Ascen onboarding. If you are a worker who has been asked to sign something new, see Why am I being asked to sign new documents for a new assignment? instead.

Summary: We can add a client's document to onboarding when we can support it on our platform, and we decide that one document at a time after you send it to us; client NDAs can be included as long as the worker signs them and Ascen does not. We do not comment on or edit a document's content for you, and we refuse documents that conflict with what Ascen already gives the worker, such as our offer letter, handbook or confidentiality agreement.

What we decide, and what we do not

• Each document is reviewed on its own. There is no general pre-approval, so we need to see every document before it can be added, even if a similar one was accepted before.

• We only say whether we can support it on our platform. We do not review the content for you, comment on it or suggest edits. That is also our answer when we are asked to sign off on a client's document from an EOR perspective.

• A yes is not an endorsement. It means we will facilitate the worker's signature, not that we have a view on what the document says or whether it is enforceable.

Common reasons we refuse a document

• Documents that contradict what Ascen already provides, such as our offer letter, handbook or confidentiality agreement.

• Documents that do not describe the real arrangement. A document written as if the client directly employs or engages the worker, or one naming a company that does not engage the workers, is the usual reason we decline a document as drafted.

When we refuse a document, we explain why. If the client still wants a refused document signed as it is, the client has to handle it outside the Ascen platform, and Ascen is not involved in any capacity.

When only some workers need to sign

A client may want a document signed only by some workers, for example those on one of its brands. Tell us which workers it covers when you send it. If that group is not something our records show, such as a brand, we add the document worker by worker, and you or the client need to email support@ascen.com each time a new worker needs to sign it.

What to send us

Email support@ascen.com with:

• the document itself, not just its title;

• who drafted it;

• which client it is for, which workers should sign it, and who is meant to sign (the worker or a business);

• what you are asking for, for example "add to onboarding for this client's workers".

If we can support it, we need a ready-to-sign version: a clean, editable copy or one on the client's letterhead with signature blocks. A PDF with highlighted placeholders or text such as "insert date" cannot be signed as it is, so ask the client for an editable version.

If you need help

Email support@ascen.com. Related: What is the responsibility of Ascen versus the staffing agency partner? and How to invite and onboard a new contractor.