In Arizona, the standard governing most employment relationships is the “at-will” doctrine. This legal principle allows either the employer or the employee to terminate the relationship at any time, for any reason that is not unlawful, or for no reason at all. A common illustration is an employee deciding to pursue a different career path, or an employer restructuring its workforce. This doctrine doesn’t require any advance notice from either party unless a specific contract or agreement dictates otherwise.
This system provides flexibility for both employers and employees in navigating the labor market. It allows businesses to adapt quickly to changing economic conditions and adjust their workforce as needed. Conversely, it offers individuals the freedom to pursue new opportunities without being bound to a specific employer indefinitely. This doctrine has been a longstanding feature of Arizona’s legal framework regarding employment. Its historical underpinnings reflect a preference for minimal government intervention in private employment relationships.