At-Will Employment

An At-Will Employment policy explains that employment is at-will (meaning either the employee or your organization may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, unless a written contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law provides otherwise) and clarifies that only an authorized written agreement can change at-will status.

How to Write an At-Will Employment Policy

• Start with "why" and introduce the concept of at-will employment.
• Define at-will employment as allowing either side to end employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.
• State the scope of who the at-will relationship covers, and note that a written contract or collective bargaining agreement can change it.
• Clarify that at-will status includes your organization's ability to change roles, titles, duties, or job descriptions.
• Limit who can change at-will status, and require a written, signed agreement for any modification.
• Add an optional, non-binding request for advance notice when an employee resigns.

For advice on writing an At-Will Employment policy in a specific jurisdiction, see below.