Previously, we discussed the Federal Trade Commission’s desire to eliminate most noncompete agreements. There are usually two primary reasons for noncompete agreements: protecting customers and/or protecting trade secrets. 

To protect the loss of customers, you might use a non-solicitation agreement instead of a noncompete agreement. Non-solicitation agreements prevent former employees from pursuing your customers after they have left your employment.  

When restrictive noncompetes are used, some former employees will violate the agreement to provide for their family. A non-solicitation agreement has more likelihood of being honored. 

Numbers 30:2 teaches, “When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.” 

Prudent employers use agreements that both parties can honor later.