Can I Be Fired for Looking for Another Job?
Most employers have a policy in place on back-to-back job searches and as an employee, it’s important to be aware of the risks before you start looking for another job. Whether you can be fired for looking for another job largely depends on the company policies and what type of employer you are working for.
Legal Limitations
The law protects employee’s rights to search and apply for other job opportunities, but there are potential legal implications when employees look for another job while still employed. Some laws protect employees who are looking for work while others require employers to use standardized policies related to employee searches and how long they must remain at a specific job.
Employer Policies
Most companies will have a policy in place that discourages or forbids employees from looking for another job while still employed. Employees should always take the time to review their employer policies before beginning a job search.
Common policies include:
- On-Call Hour Limitations: Many companies limit the hours an employee can be on-call for another job and mandate that employees must be available for their current job duties during set hours.
- Time-Off Requests: Some companies put a moratorium on taking time off while looking for a new job. Employees are typically only allowed to take time off if they become employed at the new job.
- Forfeiting Vacation Time: Employees may forfeit their vacation time if they use it to look for a new job.
Unauthorized Searching
Employees who conduct an unauthorized search for a new job run the risk of termination. If an employee does not follow the company’s policy regarding searching for new jobs, then the employer may have grounds to terminate the employee for eligibility purposes.
Employers may choose to take disciplinary action if they discover an employee is looking for another job behind their back. This might include suspension or termination of the employee, depending on the company’s policy.
Conclusion
As an employee, it’s essential to be aware of the legal implications and employer policies before starting a job search. It’s important to remember that while the law protects employees’ rights to search and apply for other job opportunities, employers may still take disciplinary action if an employee is found to be searching for another job without authorization.