Texas follows the employment-at-will doctrine. This means that in most circumstances, an employer can terminate an employee for any reason that is not illegal, or for no reason at all, without warning. Similarly, an employee can leave a job for any reason, or no reason, without warning. An example would be an employer deciding to downsize or restructure, resulting in job eliminations unrelated to employee performance.
This doctrine provides flexibility for both employers and employees in navigating the labor market. It allows businesses to adapt quickly to changing economic conditions and adjust their workforce as needed. For employees, it offers the freedom to pursue better opportunities without being bound to a specific employer. Historically, this doctrine emerged as the dominant model in American employment law by the late 19th century. However, important exceptions exist, such as protection against discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, or other legally protected characteristics. Contractual agreements and public policy considerations can also limit the application of the doctrine.
