Are employers allowed to require employees to sign a non-compete agreement?

In Washington, employers are allowed to require employees to sign a non-compete agreement. However, there are certain provisions that must be met in order for the agreement to be valid. For example, the agreement must be in writing, it must be reasonable in scope, and it must be supported by consideration. Additionally, the non-compete agreement must be essential to protect the employer’s legitimate business interests. The scope of the non-compete agreement must be reasonable in duration, geographical scope, and type of work. The duration cannot exceed two years, and the geographical scope and type of work must be limited to only what is necessary to protect the employer’s legitimate business interests. Employees must also receive some consideration in exchange for signing the agreement, such as a salary increase or bonus. A non-compete agreement can be a valuable tool for employers to protect their own interests. However, it is important to understand the guidelines regarding non-compete agreements in Washington to ensure that any agreement made is legally valid. Employers should always consult with a lawyer before requiring an employee to sign a non-compete agreement.

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