Your rights at work
At-will, discrimination, whistleblowing, background checks, AI rules, WARN.
At-will employment
In every state except Montana, employment can generally end at any time for any lawful reason. Executive agreements and contracts can add protection.
Anti-discrimination
Federal law protects against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40+), disability, pregnancy and genetic information. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (2023) requires reasonable accommodations.
Whistleblower protection
Sarbanes-Oxley and Dodd-Frank protect employees who report fraud or securities violations, and the SEC can award whistleblowers 10% to 30% of sanctions.
Trade secrets
The federal Defend Trade Secrets Act protects confidential information. Don't take documents, contacts or data when you leave, even if you created them.
Background checks
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, employers need your written consent and must give you a copy and a chance to respond before rejecting you based on a report.
AI hiring rules
NYC requires bias audits and notice for automated hiring tools; Illinois requires notice (2026); California applies discrimination law to automated systems (2025); Colorado's replacement law adds notice and human-review rights from 2027.
Layoffs & WARN
Employers with 100+ employees must generally give 60 days' notice of plant closings and mass layoffs (federal WARN Act). Several states have stricter "mini-WARN" laws.
Unemployment benefits
Run by each state, usually for people who lose their job through no fault of their own. Voluntary resignation generally doesn't qualify.
Non-competes
No federal ban (the FTC dropped its rule in 2025). California, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Wyoming ban most non-competes; Washington will from June 2027; Florida enforces them strongly for high earners.
How-to guides
How toRespond if you think you have been discriminated against
- Write down what happened, when, who was involved and any witnesses, as soon as possible.
- Keep copies of relevant emails and documents you are allowed to keep (never take confidential company data).
- Report internally following the company's policy (HR or compliance hotline).
- Be aware of deadlines: a charge with the EEOC must usually be filed within 180 days (300 days in many states).
- Speak with an employment lawyer before signing any agreement or release.
How toHandle a background check issue
- Ask for a copy of the report; under the FCRA you are entitled to it before an adverse decision.
- Identify errors (wrong person, outdated records, incorrect dates) and dispute them with the screening company.
- Explain context directly to the employer through your recruiter.
- For international history, provide documents in advance (degree certificates, employment letters) to avoid delays.
Explore more topics
Market & executive search
How senior hiring works, search firms, interviews, references and AI screening.
Read the guideCompensation
Base, bonus, LTI, sign-on, sales comp, pay transparency and exempt status.
Read the guideEquity & long-term incentives
RSUs, PSUs, options, vesting, 83(b), deferred comp and clawbacks.
Read the guideExecutive agreements
Cause, good reason, severance, change in control, covenants and D&O.
Read the guideVisas & green cards
O-1, EB-1, EB-2 NIW, L-1, E-2, H-1B, Gold Card and citizenship.
Read the guideTaxes & wealth
Federal, state, SALT, equity taxes, FBAR, PFICs, estate and the U.S.–Italy treaty.
Read the guideBenefits & time off
Health plans, 401(k), HSA, ESPP, disability, PTO and parental leave.
Read the guideLeaving a job
Resigning, layoffs, separation agreements, severance and garden leave.
Read the guideLeadership & culture
U.S. vs. Italian work culture, leading U.S. teams, hybrid work.
Read the guideCredentials & licenses
Degree evaluation and licensed professions: PE, CPA, bar, medicine.
Read the guideRelocation & life
Housing, credit, banking, driving, schools, insurance and Italy ties.
Read the guideTalk to us
We place senior and specialist professionals with leading Italian and international companies across the United States, and guide you from first interview to your first 90 days.
Information reviewed September 2026. General information only, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Laws change frequently and vary by state and personal situation; consult qualified professionals.