Michigan follows the at-will employment doctrine. This means that an employer can generally terminate an employee for any legal reason, or for no reason at all, with or without notice. Similarly, an employee is free to leave a job for any reason, or no reason, at any time. An example of this would be an employer dismissing an employee due to a change in business needs, even if the employee’s performance is satisfactory. There are important exceptions to this doctrine, including terminations based on illegal discrimination or retaliation.
This employment framework provides flexibility for both employers and employees. It allows businesses to adapt quickly to changing economic conditions and adjust their workforce as needed. For employees, it offers the freedom to pursue new opportunities without being bound to a specific employer. Historically, this doctrine emerged as the dominant model in the United States, reflecting a shift away from more rigid, contract-based employment relationships. While providing flexibility, its application has also raised concerns about fairness and potential for abuse, leading to the development of legal protections for employees.
