What is an at-will employee?

Most employees are so-called employees at will, which basically means that an employer has the right to terminate his or her employment at any time, for just cause. Just cause can include a variety of reasons, such as chronic lateness, insubordination, fighting, lying, refusing to follow the dress code, violating work rules, bad attitude, or layoffs. Employers may not dismiss employees, however, if there is an implied employment contract (for instance, in the employment handbook or through an oral promise). It also means the employee can leave at any time, without providing notice (though, notice is almost always appropriate, especially for future employment).