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Commentary

Reforming non-competes to support workers

Multiracial black and white recruiters, executive hr management group interviewing female job applicant, headhunters studying cv resume of candidate, asking questions, partners discussing contract

Abstract

This report describes evidence from empirical research on non-compete agreements and recommends policies to balance the interests of firms and workers. Firms use non-competes widely in order to minimize recruiting costs, safeguard investments, and protect intellectual property more easily than is achieved via non-disclosure agreements. But these benefits come at a cost to workers, whose career flexibility is compromised—often without their informed consent.

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