The terms "Date of Commencement" and "Date of Joining" are often used interchangeably in professional settings, but they do convey slightly different meanings:
1. Date of Joining: 🗍 This is the exact day when an employee officially starts working at an organization. It's when you first report to the office or start your work obligations.
2. Date of Commencement: 🔃 This refers to the beginning of something, often a project or contract. In the context of an employment agreement, it could refer to the date from which the terms and conditions of the employment contract come into effect. This might not necessarily be the same as the joining date, especially in cases where there's a probation period, or if the contract terms start before the actual work does.
For example, your 'Date of Commencement' might be the 1st of the month, but you might only 'Join' the office on the 3rd. This could be due to several reasons such as a waiting period, administrative reasons, or company policies.
📵 When revising the appointment letter, you should clarify these dates as follows:
- Clearly state the 'Date of Joining' as the day the employee is expected to report to work.
- Mention the 'Date of Commencement' as the day from which the contract conditions are applicable.
🆒 In your context of sending an updated / modified appointment letter, it seems that the consultant is suggesting to use the 'Date of Commencement' because it might be more beneficial for contractual or administrative reasons. However, to avoid any confusion, it's best to mention both dates clearly and specify what each one means.
Please note that it's important to comply with all local labor laws and regulations while drafting official HR documents. When in doubt, it's always a good idea to seek legal advice. 📛