Arizona follows the at-will employment doctrine. This means that, in most cases, an employment relationship can be terminated by either the employer or the employee at any time, for any reason that isn’t legally prohibited. For example, an employer can dismiss an employee without providing a specific reason, and likewise, an employee can resign without notice. However, there are important exceptions, such as terminations based on discriminatory reasons (race, religion, gender, etc.), retaliation for whistleblowing, or breach of contract.
This legal principle offers flexibility for both employers and employees. Businesses can adapt quickly to changing market conditions by adjusting their workforce, while individuals have the freedom to pursue new opportunities without being bound indefinitely to a specific employer. Historically, the doctrine emerged as the dominant employment model in the United States, reflecting a laissez-faire approach to labor relations. While it provides flexibility, it also highlights the importance of robust anti-discrimination laws and clear contractual agreements to protect employees from unfair dismissal.
