What does employment-at-will mean with respect to workplace rules?
As it pertains to private businesses and where there is no contract or collective bargaining agreement defining the work relationship, employers can establish almost any workplace rules they choose, unless restricted by other law. Many of these laws limiting an employer’s discretion (i.e., FLSA, OHSA, FEPA, Title VII, etc.) are discussed in subsequent chapters. Lawful employer rules can range from establishing employee dress codes and absenteeism policies to the regulation of certain on-the-job conduct (such as smoking). And while some employers may try to regulate off-the-job conduct, generally they have had less success with such efforts.
