Business OS
Governance & ComplianceCompany Policies

Employment At Will Policy

This template outlines the Employment At Will policy, clarifying that employment can be terminated by either the employer or employee at any time, with or without cause or notice, unless otherwise prohibited by law. It is suitable for companies operating under an at-will employment framework.

Updated 15d ago
employment policyHR documentat-will employmentcompany policyhuman resourcesSouthern Africa

Company Letterhead

{{company_name}}

{{company_address}}

Phone: {{phone}}

Email: {{email}}

Website: {{website}}

Employment At Will Policy

This policy outlines the principles of 'employment at will' within {{company_name}}.

This document clarifies the nature of the employment relationship between {{company_name}} and its employees.

Policy Statement

Employment with {{company_name}} is considered 'at will.' This means that both the employee and the company have the right to terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, subject to applicable laws.

This policy applies to all employees of {{company_name}} unless a written employment contract, collective bargaining agreement, or specific law states otherwise.

Understanding 'At Will' Employment

The 'at will' doctrine signifies that there is no express or implied contract of employment for a definite period.

This means that either the employee or {{company_name}} can end the employment relationship at any point, for any reason not prohibited by law, or for no reason at all.

Exceptions to At-Will Employment

The 'at will' principle is subject to certain legal restrictions, including but not limited to:

a) Non-discrimination laws: Termination may not be based on an employee's protected characteristics (e.g., race, gender, religion, disability, etc.) as defined by relevant legislation.

b) Retaliation: Termination cannot be in retaliation for an employee exercising a legally protected right (e.g., reporting harassment, whistleblowing).

c) Written Contracts: Employees with a written employment contract that specifies a definite term of employment or outlines specific termination procedures will be governed by the terms of that contract.

d) Collective Bargaining Agreements: Employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement will be subject to the terms of that agreement regarding termination.

No Employment Contract Implied

Nothing in this policy, company handbooks, benefit plans, or other company communications should be construed as creating an express or implied contract of employment for a definite term. Any such oral or written statements made by management or supervisors are not to be interpreted as altering the at-will nature of employment, unless specifically authorized in a formal, written agreement signed by an authorized executive of {{company_name}}.

Only the {{authorized_executive_title}} of {{company_name}} has the authority to enter into any agreement for employment for a specified period and such agreement must be in writing and signed by both the {{authorized_executive_title}} and the employee.

Employee Acknowledgment

All employees are required to acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of this Employment At Will Policy.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the Employment At Will Policy of {{company_name}}. I understand that my employment with {{company_name}} is 'at will' and that either I or {{company_name}} can terminate my employment at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, subject to applicable law.

Policy Review and Amendments

This policy will be reviewed periodically and may be amended or revoked by {{company_name}} at any time, with or without notice, at its sole discretion.

Employees will be informed of any significant changes to this policy.

Signature Block

Employee Name: {{employee_name}}

Employee Signature: _________________________ Date: {{date}}

____________________________________________

For {{company_name}}

Name: {{company_representative_name}}

Title: {{company_representative_title}}

Signature: _________________________ Date: {{date}}

Related templates