The North Carolina Key Employee Notice is a legal requirement for employers in the state of North Carolina. This notice informs key employees about the potential implications of their employment termination, specifically related to the prohibition on agreements not to compete. Employers are obligated to provide the North Carolina Key Employee Notice to certain employees who are deemed as "key employees" under state law. Key employees in North Carolina typically include those who hold executive, managerial, or professional positions with significant decision-making authority, access to proprietary business information, or who have specialized skills and knowledge critical to the functioning of the business. The purpose of the North Carolina Key Employee Notice is to ensure that key employees are fully aware of their rights and obligations upon termination of their employment. It serves as a means to inform key employees about the legal restrictions regarding agreements not to compete, which may affect their ability to seek new employment within a certain timeframe or in specific geographical locations. There are two main types of North Carolina Key Employee Notices: 1. Pre-Employment Notices: These notices are given to potential key employees before they accept an offer of employment. This notice informs individuals about the potential restrictions on their future employment opportunities, ensuring transparency from the outset. 2. Post-Employment Notices: These notices are given to key employees who have already been hired by the company. Employers must provide this notice within a certain timeframe after the key employee's termination or separation from the company. It reiterates the employer's commitment to honoring the employee's rights and obligations under state law relating to non-compete agreements. The North Carolina Key Employee Notice must be written in clear and understandable language, providing accurate information about the key employee's legal rights and responsibilities. Employers must ensure that the notice is provided to eligible key employees in a timely manner, either in person or via certified mail. By complying with the North Carolina Key Employee Notice requirement, employers demonstrate their commitment to adhering to state labor laws and protecting the rights of key employees.