Under what circumstances can an employer legally terminate an employee without cause?

The employment-at-will doctrine is a legal principle that allows employers to terminate employees for any reason, as long as the reason is not illegal, and it does not violate any contractual obligations. This means that employers can dismiss employees without cause, without having to provide a specific reason or justification for the termination. The flexibility of this doctrine tends to benefit employers, as it allows them to make employment decisions based on business needs without being compelled to follow strict protocols.

In contrast, the other options imply conditions that create additional legal responsibilities or restrictions on the employer's ability to terminate an employee. For instance, terminating an employee on sick leave could violate laws protecting individuals from discrimination or retaliation, while requiring a written warning introduces procedural requirements not inherent to at-will employment. Additionally, having an employee on record for more than one year does not limit an employer's ability to terminate under the at-will principle; it merely indicates a longer duration of service, and does not protect against termination without cause under this doctrine.