Don't Lose If Firm's Young Staffers Leave

Times change, and so do attitudes toward employment. While previous generation may have sought a career with one employer where they could stay until retirement, a new generation thinks differently. Gen Y workers - also known as millennials - are always on the lookout for a new job.

But millennials' propensity to change employers can be a liability as it relates to intellectual-property rights. Of course, you have the law on your side when it comes to your trade secrets and intellectual property. But it is possible to add protections for your business. Make sure to protect yourself with confidentiality, noncompete and nonsolicitation agreements. When employees leave the company, retrieve zip drives, USB files and company-issued laptops, and review the e-mail of any departing employee.

This article appeared in the December 7, 2007 issue of the Charlotte Business Journal.