If an employment contract does not have a definite duration, it is terminable at will. This is called employment at will. Under the employment at will doctrine, the employer has historically been allowed to terminate the contract at any time for any reason or for no reason. However, written personnel policies used as guidelines for the employee have been interpreted by some courts as restricting the employer's right to discharge at-will employees without just cause. Employee handbooks or personnel manuals have been construed as part of the employee's contract. This is why all personnel manuals and employee handbooks should contain a disclaimer. The attached form is a sample of such a disclaimer.
South Dakota Disclaimer for Personnel or Employee Manual or Handbook: A Detailed Description In South Dakota, employers often include disclaimers in their personnel or employee manuals or handbooks to protect their rights and clearly outline the specifics of the employment relationship with their workforce. These disclaimers serve as legal statements, ensuring that employees understand their rights, duties, and obligations within the context of their employment. Here are two types of disclaimers commonly included in South Dakota personnel or employee manuals or handbooks: 1. General Disclaimer: The general disclaimer provides a broad outline of the employer's intentions, responsibilities, and limitations. It typically covers various aspects relating to the manual and its contents, addressing all employees within the organization. The following is an example of a general disclaimer: "This personnel manual or employee handbook is provided for informational purposes only. It is not a contract or a guarantee of employment. The policies and procedures outlined within this document are subject to change at any time without prior notice. This manual is not intended to create any contractual obligations on behalf of the company. Employees are expected to adhere to the policies and procedures mentioned herein at all times." 2. Disclaimer for Specific Policies or Benefits: Certain policies or benefits may require additional disclaimers to clarify their specifics or limitations. These may include policies such as non-discrimination, harassment, confidentiality, or benefits like vacation, sick leave, or retirement plans. Employers often include specific disclaimers for these policies or benefits to safeguard their rights in case of any discrepancies or disputes. Here's an example of a disclaimer for a non-discrimination policy: "The company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under state or federal law. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and termination. However, the company reserves the right to take appropriate actions necessary for the efficient operation of the organization, including making employment decisions based on legitimate business needs and requirements." It's important to note that the examples provided above are for illustrative purposes only. Employers in South Dakota should consult with legal professionals to draft appropriate disclaimers tailored to their specific organizational needs, considering applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and industry-specific requirements. By including comprehensive disclaimers in personnel or employee manuals or handbooks, employers in South Dakota can ensure that employees are aware of their rights, responsibilities, and the organization's expectations while protecting their own interests within the bounds of the law.
South Dakota Disclaimer for Personnel or Employee Manual or Handbook: A Detailed Description In South Dakota, employers often include disclaimers in their personnel or employee manuals or handbooks to protect their rights and clearly outline the specifics of the employment relationship with their workforce. These disclaimers serve as legal statements, ensuring that employees understand their rights, duties, and obligations within the context of their employment. Here are two types of disclaimers commonly included in South Dakota personnel or employee manuals or handbooks: 1. General Disclaimer: The general disclaimer provides a broad outline of the employer's intentions, responsibilities, and limitations. It typically covers various aspects relating to the manual and its contents, addressing all employees within the organization. The following is an example of a general disclaimer: "This personnel manual or employee handbook is provided for informational purposes only. It is not a contract or a guarantee of employment. The policies and procedures outlined within this document are subject to change at any time without prior notice. This manual is not intended to create any contractual obligations on behalf of the company. Employees are expected to adhere to the policies and procedures mentioned herein at all times." 2. Disclaimer for Specific Policies or Benefits: Certain policies or benefits may require additional disclaimers to clarify their specifics or limitations. These may include policies such as non-discrimination, harassment, confidentiality, or benefits like vacation, sick leave, or retirement plans. Employers often include specific disclaimers for these policies or benefits to safeguard their rights in case of any discrepancies or disputes. Here's an example of a disclaimer for a non-discrimination policy: "The company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under state or federal law. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and termination. However, the company reserves the right to take appropriate actions necessary for the efficient operation of the organization, including making employment decisions based on legitimate business needs and requirements." It's important to note that the examples provided above are for illustrative purposes only. Employers in South Dakota should consult with legal professionals to draft appropriate disclaimers tailored to their specific organizational needs, considering applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and industry-specific requirements. By including comprehensive disclaimers in personnel or employee manuals or handbooks, employers in South Dakota can ensure that employees are aware of their rights, responsibilities, and the organization's expectations while protecting their own interests within the bounds of the law.