Recruiter Rant: Non-Competes, Necessary Evil or Just Plain Evil?

Hiring Matters

In this Recruiter Rant Ken takes a sledgehammer to the sacred cow of corporate contracts: non-competes. Are they protecting businesses or just handcuffing employees? Ken dives into the murky waters of non-compete agreements—unpacking their morality, legality, and the head-scratching ways they’re enforced across industries. Using real-world examples, Ken explores how these agreements impact employee freedom, stifle innovation, and whether businesses might be shooting themselves in the foot. Are non-competes a necessary evil or just plain evil? Tune in to find out! Spoiler alert: Ken’s taking sides.

Got questions or a non-compete story of your own? We'd love to hear from you! Drop us a message or Join the conversation on LinkedIn—share your thoughts and experiences!

BONUS: Check out our infographic, Locked In or Locked Out: Non-competes by the Numbers, packed with insights that break down the numbers and reveal what they really mean for both employees and employers : https://turningpointexecsearch.com/non-competes-by-the-numbers/

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Takeaways:

• The enforcement and impact of non-competes vary wildly across industries and state lines.
• Lawmakers are pushing to reform non-compete laws, aiming to protect businesses while giving workers more freedom to change jobs.
• Businesses need to tread carefully, crafting non-competes that are both enforceable and fair—or risk backfiring.
• As legal norms evolve, companies must stay ahead of the curve, adapting to new expectations in the employer-employee relationship.
• Non-competes can trap employees, stifling their mobility and career growth.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

01:53 The Impact of Non-Competes on Businesses

04:43 Employee Perspective: Signing Non-Competes

07:07 The Harmful Effects of Broad Interpretations

09:57 Legislative Efforts to Reform Non-Compete Laws 1

0:54 Adapting to the Changing Norms and Legal Landscape

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is an industry veteran with nearly three decades of expertise in executive recruiting. He shares the wealth of knowledge gained from working with a large regional agency, the globally renowned Heidrick & Struggles, and founding TurningPoint Executive Search—a distinctive firm dedicated to fostering high-touch partnerships. With a wealth of experience and a passion for elevating the executive recruiting landscape, Ken brings a unique perspective that enriches every episode of "Hiring Matters."

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