What does "at will" employment imply for employees?

"At will" employment signifies that employees can be terminated without cause, meaning that an employer can end the employment relationship for any reason that is not illegal, such as discrimination or retaliation. This aspect of employment law allows for considerable flexibility for both employers and employees. Employees benefit from the ability to leave their position without needing to provide a reason or notice, although they often are expected to do so as a professional courtesy.

The concept of "at will" employment does not provide job security; in fact, it inherently means that the employment can be ended at any time for virtually any reason. This freedom contrasts with other employment agreements that stipulate that employees can only be terminated for just cause or that they have an assurance of continued employment under specific conditions. Therefore, the term "at will" fundamentally alters the traditional employer-employee relationship, granting employers significant leeway in their hiring and firing practices.