Employment terms (Nouns)
The illegal dismissal of an employee in violation of contractual terms or employment laws. (2 words)
Wrongful termination
To voluntarily leave a job or position.
RESIGN
The involuntary resignation of an employee due to an employer’s conduct, which creates a hostile or intolerable work environment, effectively forcing the employee to leave. (2 words)
CONSTRUCTIVE DISMISSAL
I was fired for doing nothing at all, yet my contract states I must work.
I sued, but the court disagreed, saying my boss had the legal perk.
What doctrine made me fall?
EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL
I see everything but never speak,
I tell the truth, but my words are weak.
I can prove a crime in just one glance,
Yet without rules, I stand no chance.
👉 What am I?
Surveillance footage – A key piece of evidence, but its admissibility depends on legal procedures.
Unwanted behavior in the workplace that creates a hostile or intimidating environment.
Harassment
To temporarily or permanently dismiss employees due to economic reasons or company restructuring.
LAYOFF
A doctrine primarily in the U.S. allowing employers to terminate employees at any time without cause, provided it does not violate anti-discrimination laws.
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT
I spoke up about fraud and lies,
Now I’ve lost my job—what a surprise!
But my employer made a big mistake,
Which law ensures justice I’ll take?
WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ACT
I am a contract, yet no one speaks,
No pen is used, but my terms are unique.
You see me daily, in stores and streets,
When you buy, sell, or take your seat.
👉 What am I?
An Implied Contract – A legally binding agreement formed by actions rather than written or spoken words, such as paying for goods in a store.
Additional working hours beyond the standard workweek, often compensated at a higher rate.
OVERTIME
To restore an employee to their former position after wrongful termination or suspension.
REINSTATE
A worker who, despite not having an official employment contract, is treated as an employee based on factors like control, supervision, and work dependence.
DE FACTO EMPLOYEE
I signed my name on the dotted line,
Now I’m stuck and must resign.
A job elsewhere I cannot take,
Or legal trouble I might make.
What clause keeps me bound and tied?
NON COMPETE AGREEMENT
Adam agrees to paint Bob’s house for $2,000. They shake hands but never sign a contract. Adam completes the work, but Bob refuses to pay, arguing that there was no written agreement. Can Adam sue Bob successfully?
es. This is an example of an oral contract, which is legally binding in many jurisdictions unless a specific law (like the Statute of Frauds) requires a written agreement. Since Adam performed his part, he can claim unjust enrichment or sue based on an implied contract.
A trial period at the beginning of employment during which an employer evaluates an employee’s performance before confirming a permanent position. (2 words)
PROBATION PERIOD
To report illegal, unethical, or unsafe workplace practices to authorities.
WHISTLEBLOW
A contractual clause that prevents an employee from engaging in business activities that directly compete with their former employer for a certain period and within a specific geographic area.
NON COMPETE AGREEMENT
An employee consistently works 70-hour weeks, exceeding the maximum legal working hours set by labor laws. The employer is aware but encourages it for productivity. One day, the employee collapses from exhaustion and sues the company. The employer argues that the employee voluntarily worked extra hours.
👉 Is the company liable for the employee’s health crisis?
Most likely yes. Even if the employee chose to work overtime, labor laws (like OSHA in the U.S. or the EU Working Time Directive) require employers to enforce legal work limits. Encouraging overwork could make the company liable for negligence and unsafe working conditions.
No one elected me, yet I rule,
Not a king, but a legal tool.
I shape nations, big and small,
Breaking me can ruin all.
👉 What am I?
The Constitution – The fundamental legal framework that governs a country, more powerful than any single leader.
A formal complaint raised by an employee regarding workplace issues, often related to unfair treatment or disputes.
GRIEVANCE
To resolve an employment dispute through a neutral third party instead of going to court.
ARBITRATE
Legal safeguards for employees who report illegal or unethical activities by their employer.
WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION
A salesperson is fired on January 31st. The company, however, dates their termination letter as December 30th to avoid paying them an annual performance bonus. The employee only realizes this when they check their final paycheck and see the missing bonus.
Riddle: Can the company backdate the termination, and how can the employee challenge this?
No, the company cannot legally backdate termination to avoid paying earned benefits. The employee can file a claim for unpaid wages and fraudulent misrepresentation. If the company refuses to pay, a labor tribunal or court may enforce payment and impose penalties.
I protect workers day and night,
From overtime and unfair fights.
If ignored, I can cost you dear,
For justice stands with me near.
👉 What am I?
Labor law – Laws ensuring fair wages, working hours, and employee rights.