In New Jersey, the standard employment relationship is presumed to be “at-will.” This means that either the employer or the employee can terminate the relationship at any time, for any legal reason, or for no reason at all, with or without notice. A concrete example would be an employee resigning for personal reasons without offering a two-week notice, or an employer letting an employee go due to company downsizing. However, there are important exceptions to this general rule, such as terminations based on illegal discrimination or retaliation.
This legal framework offers flexibility for both employers and employees. Businesses can adapt to changing market conditions by adjusting their workforce as needed, while individuals have the freedom to pursue new opportunities without being bound to a specific employer indefinitely. The development of this doctrine has its roots in the late 19th century, reflecting a shift away from more rigid, agrarian-based employment relationships towards the dynamic needs of an industrializing economy. It remains a central component of employment law in the state.