Softly Stating That You're an At-Will Employer

Recruitment Weekly is back after a brief summer hiatus! (I'm sure you were holding your breath and watching your email)


Most everyone knows that Wisconsin (like most states) is an at-will employment state, meaning that the company or candidate can end the employment relationship for any reason and at any time. Its a safety net for organizations and employees in case the relationship is not a fit.

In an offer letter, most employers agree that the verbiage of an at-will relationship should be included. It's similar to having a new employee sign a job description so they are aware of the responsibilities of their new position.

I went back and pulled the offer letters I had on file from my clients. Only about 40% mentioned at-will employment in the letter. While a disgruntled candidate may not win a suit, it could be a painful legal fight, as not including this information potentially exposes the company. Basically, the employee could come back and say the vague offer letter was a contract for employment for a set period of time or that guarantee of work was verbally discussed during the hiring process.

So, just include the words right? Well...its just awkward. You have recruited a great person, talked about how they will help your company, how this is the perfect move for their career, and smack in the middle of the letter is text about how their employment could end at any time.

Below is a link to an article about the importance of stating up front that the employment relationship is at-will. Included is recomended verbiage about how to softly include this in your offer letter. Now you can start employment with your new recruit on the right foot, and still cover your HR bases!

http://bit.ly/bk5qnK

Have a great week. I hope your business is continuing to do well or is recovering from last year.