What protection does an at-will employee lack?

An at-will employee lacks contract protection from termination because at-will employment means that the employer can terminate the employee at any time for any reason, provided that the reason is not illegal, and conversely, the employee can also leave the job at any time without having to provide a reason. This employment arrangement does not involve a contractual agreement that stipulates the terms of employment or the conditions under which an employee can be terminated, making it easy for employers to dismiss employees without needing justification or following formal procedures.

In contrast, the other options represent protections that are generally available to at-will employees. For instance, employees still hold protections against workplace harassment and are covered under anti-discrimination laws; they are also typically entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in case of job-related injuries. These protections are designed to ensure fair treatment and safety in the workplace, regardless of the at-will status.