How to Avoid an Implied Contract in an Employee Handbook

Author: Beth C. Rogers, Law Offices of Beth C. Rogers, LLC

Even if an employer does not provide written contracts to its employees, there are various exceptions to the at-will doctrine that an employer must be cautious to avoid. One such exception is an implied contract of employment created (often inadvertently) through an employer's handbooks, policies, practices or other written assurances. An employer should take the following steps to avoid inadvertently creating an implied contract through an employee handbook.