Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) Practice Exam

"This employee handbook is not intended to be part of a contract..." is being used in an employee handbook to preserve which of the following?

1. Employee rights

2. Employer rights

3. Employment at will

4. The public policy exception

The correct answer is: Employment at will

The phrase "This employee handbook is not intended to be part of a contract..." is typically used in an employee handbook to preserve the concept of employment at will. Employment at will is the legal doctrine that allows employers to terminate an employee at any time, for any reason, without any notice. This option is correct because an employee handbook that is not intended to form a contract allows employers to maintain their right to terminate employees at will. Option A is incorrect because employee rights, such as minimum wage, are typically outlined in these handbooks and are protected by law. Option B is incorrect because employers' rights are not at stake when using this phrase, as it is meant to clarify the relationship between employer and employee. Option D is incorrect as this phrase does not pertain to any exceptions to at-will employment based on public policy.