Which of the following is a legal reason for termination of an employee?

Termination of an employee can be legally justified under several circumstances, one of which is conduct violating company policies. When an employee’s behavior goes against established rules or standards set by the employer, it may warrant disciplinary action, including termination. Employers are expected to have clearly documented policies that outline acceptable behavior, and if an employee consistently breaches these policies, it provides a legitimate cause for dismissal. This helps maintain a safe and productive workplace environment, and it allows employers to enforce rules that are crucial for business operations.

In contrast, the other options presented do not typically constitute legal grounds for termination. An employee's preference to leave does not relate to misconduct or poor performance; it is simply the employee's choice and cannot be grounds for termination. Similarly, inability to perform job duties due to personal issues may reflect circumstances outside the employee's control, often necessitating accommodation or support rather than immediate termination. Lastly, being unavailable for additional hours usually pertains to the employee's rights concerning work-life balance and does not usually infringe upon company policy or performance standards. Therefore, conduct violating company policies stands out as a clear legal reason for termination.