{"id":6800,"date":"2025-09-26T21:18:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-27T02:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/?post_type=resources&#038;p=6800"},"modified":"2026-07-27T04:03:18","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T09:03:18","slug":"tennessee-employment-law","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/tennessee-employment-law\/","title":{"rendered":"Tennessee employment law overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-efae2095 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7fc3d43a wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8e1436f2 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<p class=\"\">by <strong><strong>The<\/strong> <strong>Brightmine Editorial Team<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee has laws that provide greater protections to employees than federal law, including health care continuation coverage obligations and mass layoff notification requirements for smaller employers, but generally follows federal law with respect to topics such as the minimum wage, overtime and occupational safety and health.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Select Tennessee employment requirements are summarized below to help an employer understand the range of employment laws affecting the employer-employee relationship in the state. An employer must comply with federal, state, and local law. Where there is overlap, complying with the law that offers the greatest rights or benefits to the employee will generally apply.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"equal-employment-opportunity\">Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and worker protections&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee employers may be required to comply with requirements related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/discrimination\/eeo-protected-classes-by-state\/\">EEO<\/a> and worker protections. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fair-employment-practices\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Fair employment practices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The Tennessee Human Rights Act (THRA) generally applies to employers that have eight or more employees within Tennessee and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on a number of protected classes including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Race;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Color;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Creed;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Religion;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Sex;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Age (40 and over); and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">National origin (including ancestry).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The THRA also prohibits retaliation for opposing discrimination; filing charges; and testifying, assisting or participating in an investigation, proceeding or hearing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The Tennessee Disability Act (TDA) generally prohibits employers with eight or more employees from discriminating against individuals on the basis of a physical, mental or visual disability (including discriminating against a blind person for using a guide dog). However, the TDA does not require an employer to provide reasonable accommodations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"equal-pay\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Equal pay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employer is prohibited from discriminating between employees in the same establishment based on sex by paying any employee salary or wages rates less than the rates paid to any employee of the opposite sex for comparable work on jobs requiring comparable skill, effort and responsibility, and that are performed under similar working conditions. Wage differentials are permitted if based on a seniority system, a merit system, a system that measures earnings by quality or quantity of production, or any other reasonable differential that is based on a factor other than sex.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-transparency\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pay transparency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee does not have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/pay-transparency\/u-s-pay-transparency-laws-by-state-and-locality\/\">pay transparency law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"salary-history-inquiry-restrictions\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Salary history inquiry restrictions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee does not restrict an employer from inquiring into or relying upon an applicant&#8217;s salary history.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"employee-wage-disclosure-rights\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Employee wage disclosure rights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee does not have a wage disclosure law applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pregnancy-accommodation\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pregnancy accommodation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The Tennessee Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, requires an employer with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations to employees and job applicants reasonable accommodations arising from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the employer&#8217;s business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Reasonable accommodations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Making existing facilities used by employees readily accessible and usable;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">More frequent, longer, or flexible breaks;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">A private place, other than a bathroom stall, for the purpose of expressing milk;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Modified food or drink policy;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Modified seating or allowing the employee to sit more frequently if the job requires standing;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Providing assistance with manual labor and limits on lifting;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">A temporary transfer to a vacant position;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Job restructuring or light duty, if available;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Acquisition or modification of equipment, devices, or an employee&#8217;s work station;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">A modified work schedules; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Flexible scheduling for prenatal visits.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"breastfeeding-breaks\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Breastfeeding breaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employer must provide reasonable, unpaid break time each day to an employee who needs to express breast milk for her infant child, unless doing so would unduly disrupt the employer&#8217;s operation. If possible, the break time should run concurrently with any other break time the employer already provides.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"access-to-personnel-files\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Access to personnel files<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee law does not require private employers to provide employees with access to their personnel files.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whistleblower-protections\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Whistleblower protections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The Tennessee Public Protection Act prohibits an employer from terminating an employee solely because the employee refused to participate in or remain silent about illegal activities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"scheduling\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Scheduling&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee does not have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/scheduling-laws-by-state-and-municipality\/\">scheduling law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"recruiting-hiring\">Recruiting and hiring&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee employers may be required to comply with requirements related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/talent-management\/talent-acquisition\/onboarding\/new-hire-paperwork-tennessee\/\">recruiting and hiring<\/a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"credit-checks\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Credit checks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee does not have requirements for private employers related to credit checks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ban-the-box-and-fair-chance\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Ban the Box and Fair Chance&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee does not have a state <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/talent-management\/talent-acquisition\/recruitment\/ban-the-box-laws-by-state\/\">ban-the-box<\/a> or fair chance law applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"everify\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">E-Verify&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The Tennessee Lawful Employment Act requires employers with six to 34 employees to verify that all newly hired employees are eligible to work in the US either by using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/immigration\/immigration-form-i9-work-visas-federal\/\">federal E-Verify system<\/a> or by requiring the employees to provide documentation that proves identity and work eligibility.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Employers with 35 or more employees must use E-Verify to verify the work authorization status of new hires.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wage-hour\">Wage and hour&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee employers may be required to comply with certain wage and hour requirements. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"minimum-wage\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Minimum wage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee does not have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/minimum-wage\/minimum-wage-rates-by-state-and-municipality\/\">minimum wage law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"overtime\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Overtime &nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee does not have a state <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/overtime\/overtime-variations-by-state\/\">overtime law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"meal-and-rest-breaks\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Meal and rest breaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Certain Tennessee employers must provide a 30-minute unpaid <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state\/\">meal break<\/a> to employees scheduled to work six consecutive hours. An exception applies to workplaces that, by the nature of business, provide for ample opportunity to rest or take a break. The meal break may not be scheduled during or before the first hour of scheduled work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"child-labor\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Child labor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/child-labor-working-hour-restrictions-by-state\/\">Child labor laws<\/a> in Tennessee restrict the occupations in which minors may be employed and the number of hours and times during which they may work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Except for certain exemptions, minors under 14 years of age may not be employed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Minors in Tennessee are prohibited from working in any occupation that interferes with their schooling, health or well-being. Minors are also prohibited from working in a variety of occupations, such as those that involves driving a motor vehicle, mining, logging, roofing and excavation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Minors ages 14 and 15 may not work:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">During school hours;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., if the next day is a school day;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">More than three hours a day on school days;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">More than 18 hours a week during a school week;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">More than eight hours a day on nonschool days; or&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">More than 40 hours a week during nonschool weeks.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Minors ages 16 and 17 may not work:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">During hours when the minor is required to attend classes; or&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday evenings preceding a school day, except a minor may work until midnight up to three nights with parental or guardian consent.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Minor employees scheduled to work six consecutive hours are generally entitled to a 30-minute unpaid rest or meal break. The break may not be scheduled during or before the first hour of scheduled work activity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-benefits\">Pay and benefits&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee employers may be required to follow certain requirements with respect to employee pay and benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wage-payment-methods\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Wage payment methods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Employees may be paid in cash or by check without discount, exchange or cost of collection. An employer may pay wages by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/direct-deposit-laws-by-state\/\">direct deposit<\/a> or payroll debit card if certain conditions are met.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-frequency-and-lag-time\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pay frequency and lag time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The Tennessee Wage Regulation Act requires an employer with five or more employees to pay wages at least once a month on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/payroll\/pay-frequency-and-lag-time-requirements-by-state\/\">regular paydays<\/a> established in advance. An employer may pay wages more frequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employee who is absent on payday must be paid on demand. A notice of pay frequency must be posted in a conspicuous place.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-deductions\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pay deductions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Under Tennessee law, an employer may not make any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/payroll\/deductions\/tennessee-wage-withholding-garnishment-compliance-guide\/\">deductions from an employee&#8217;s pay<\/a> without the employee&#8217;s prior written authorization. With authorization, the employer may make deductions for:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Health insurance;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Uniforms;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Loans or salary advances; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Cash shortages or breakage, in certain cases.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-statements\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pay statements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee law does not include a requirement to furnish <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/payroll\/pay-statement-rate-notification-requirements-by-state\/\">pay statements<\/a> to employees.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wage-theft\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Wage theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee does not have a wage theft law applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"health-care-continuation\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Health care continuation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">In Tennessee, group health policies issued to employers, regardless of size, generally must include health care continuation coverage. Continuation coverage must be extended to employees and their covered dependents regardless of the reason health care coverage was terminated, unless the group policy was terminated:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">In its entirety; or&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">For the insured class to which the employee belonged.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">However, the reason for coverage termination affects the duration continuation coverage lasts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"temporary-disability-insurance\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Temporary disability insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee does not have requirements for private employers related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/total-rewards\/employee-benefits\/temporary-disability-insurance-requirements-by-state\/\">temporary disability insurance<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"time-off-leaves-absence\">Time off and leaves of absence&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee employers may be required to follow certain requirements with respect to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/leave-laws-by-state-chart\/#tennessee-leave-laws\">time off and leaves of absence<\/a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"family-and-medical-leave\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Family and medical leave<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee employers with 100 or more full-time employees may be required to provide employees with up to four months of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/paid-family-leave-requirements-by-state\/\">leave for adoption, pregnancy, childbirth and nursing an infant<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"paid-sick-leave\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Paid sick leave<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee does not have a state <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/paid-sick-leave-by-state\/\">paid sick leave law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"other-time-off-requirements\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Other time off requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee has laws related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/hr-guide-to-tennessee-leave-laws\/\">time off and leaves of absence<\/a>, including but not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Parental leave;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/voting-leave-laws-by-state\/\">Voting leave<\/a>;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/jury-duty-leave-laws-by-state-and-municipality\/\">Jury duty leave<\/a>;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/military-leave-reminders\/\">Military leave<\/a>;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Time off on Veterans Day; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Emergency responder leave.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"health-safety\">Health and safety&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee employers may be required to follow certain requirements with respect to employee health and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"occupational-safety-and-health\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Occupational safety and health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee has a federally approved State Plan that covers the safety and health of private employees. The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Act covers all private employers, with some exceptions. Although the majority of state standards mirror the federal requirements, some state rules are more extensive (e.g., bloodborne pathogens, air contaminants and hazard communication).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"drug-and-alcohol-testing\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Drug and alcohol testing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employer that implements a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/talent-management\/talent-acquisition\/recruitment\/drug-testing-laws-by-state\/\">drug testing program<\/a> must follow the drug-free workplace law&#8217;s requirements. An employer must provide job applicants with certain information prior to testing. The employer may require job applicants to submit to a drug test only after extending a conditional offer of employment. The employer may refuse to hire a job applicant based on a refusal to submit to a drug test or on a positive confirmed drug test.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"smokefree-workplace\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Smoke-free workplace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee&#8217;s Non-Smoker Protection Act prohibits smoking in most enclosed public places, which includes places of employment. An employer must inform employees of the ban and post appropriate signage. Exceptions apply.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"weapons-in-the-workplace\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Weapons in the workplace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employer has the right to:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Prohibit the possession of all weapons at meetings it conducts and on property that it owns, operates, manages or controls; or&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Restrict the possession of weapons at meetings it conducts and on property that it owns, operates, manages or controls, by prohibiting all weapons except a concealed handgun carried by a concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit holder.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employer must post appropriate notices of the prohibition or restriction in prominent locations, including all entrances primarily used by people entering the property, building or portion of the property or building where weapons are prohibited or restricted. The notice must be plainly visible to the average person entering the location.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employer generally may not prevent an employee from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-safety\/guns-in-parking-lots-laws-by-state\/\">keeping a gun in his or her own car, even in a private parking area<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"safe-driving-practices\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Safe driving practices&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee law prohibits texting while driving and prohibits any person from knowingly operating a motor vehicle on any road or highway and talking on a handheld mobile telephone while the vehicle is in motion. Adult drivers may, however, use a hands-free device to talk on a mobile telephone while the vehicle is in motion.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"organizational-exit\">Organizational exit&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee employers may be required to follow certain requirements when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/disciplinary\/documentation-for-separation-of-employment-by-state\/\">employees exit the organization<\/a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-pay\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Final pay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employer with five or more employees must <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/final-wage-payment-requirements-by-state\/\">pay an employee who quits or is fired their full wages<\/a> by the later of:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">The next regular payday; or&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">21 days from the date of the termination.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Other timing rules may apply to specific types of employees (e.g., those paid on a piece rate or commission basis).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employer must pay an employee for accrued vacation or other compensatory time if its policy or employment contract provides for payment. However, the law does not require an employer to provide paid or unpaid vacation time or establish a written vacation pay policy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employer may pay up to a statutory amount of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/deceased-employee-wages-by-state\/\">wages due to a deceased employee<\/a> to the employee&#8217;s designated beneficiary. If there is no designated beneficiary, wages may be paid to the surviving spouse, and if there is no surviving spouse, to the employee&#8217;s children.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mass-layoffs\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Mass layoffs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Under Tennessee&#8217;s Plant Closings and Reduction in Operations Act, an employer with 50-99 full-time employees in the state is required to provide 60 days&#8217; advance notice of any plant closing, modernizing, relocation beyond 50 miles or reduction in force that affects 50 or more employees during a three-month period. Notice must be provided to the state and to all affected employees. The Act does not apply to reductions in operations that result solely from a labor dispute, that occur at a construction site or other temporary workplace or that result from seasonal factors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ai-in-employment\">AI in employment&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Tennessee does not have a law related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/ai-laws-by-state-and-locality\/\">AI in employment<\/a> applicable to private employers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column lnrs-hide-block-on-mobile is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--secondary-gray);border-left-width:2px;padding-left:10px;flex-basis:30%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained wp-container-2 is-position-sticky\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-secondary-gray-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-db4c44a6 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:14px;padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4b827052 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:5px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\" class=\"\">In this resource:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#equal-employment-opportunity\">EEO and worker protections<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#recruiting-hiring\">Recruiting and hiring<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#wage-hour\">Wage and hour<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#pay-benefits\">Pay and benefits<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#time-off-leaves-absence\">Time off and leaves of absence<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#health-safety\">Health and safety<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#organizational-exit\">Organizational exit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#ai-in-employment\">AI in employment<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-bleach-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a36fa716 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:14px;padding-top:10px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-get-the-full-picture\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Get the full picture.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">This resource is a brief overview of state employment law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Dig deeper with in-depth coverage of state and local employment laws in our Employment Law Guide.  Get a free quote for HR &amp; Compliance Center today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/quote\/?intcmp=hrcc-resources|premium-resources|button|quote|Get-a-quote\" style=\"border-radius:25px\">Get a quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"#top\">Go back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-efae2095 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-may-also-be-interested-in\">You may also be interested in&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n<section id=\"resources-search-filter\" class=\"wp-block-brightmine-resources-filter has-text-color has-primary-gray-color has-background has-primary-white-background-color\">\n\n\n<div class=\"ajax-filter\">\n<div class=\"lnrs-resources-search-filter  editor-posts-filtered-topics \">\n\t\t<div class=\"search_terms_bottom\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bottom_left\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"search_terms_result_count\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bottom_right\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"loader-container\">\n\t\t<span class=\"loader\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-filter-widget__container\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #f3f2f0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/total-rewards\/employee-compensation\/pay-equity\/reward-decisions-built-for-trust\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/22091151\/Happy-coworkers-1200x627-1.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/lnrs-resources-filter\/assets\/images\/category-flag.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">Blogs<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/total-rewards\/employee-compensation\/pay-equity\/reward-decisions-built-for-trust\/\">Are your reward decisions built to earn trust?<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #000000\">Set pay ranges with confidence. Evaluate your approach to job architecture, range pricing, exceptions and pay transparency requirements.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #f3f2f0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-strategy\/defending-your-pay-ranges\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2013\/04\/28065419\/compensation-planner-data-review-collaboration.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/lnrs-resources-filter\/assets\/images\/category-flag.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">Blogs<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-strategy\/defending-your-pay-ranges\/\">Check your blind spot: Can you defend the pay ranges you publish?<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #000000\">Test whether your compensation governance can withstand scrutiny. Identify weaknesses in pay disclosure, documentation and decision-making processes.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #f3f2f0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/illinois-passes-several-new-employment-laws\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/29034400\/team-meeting-office-open-plan-collaboration.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/lnrs-resources-filter\/assets\/images\/category-flag.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">HR News<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/illinois-passes-several-new-employment-laws\/\">Illinois passes several new employment laws<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #000000\">Illinois has passed several employment laws that take effect January 1, 2027, covering paid jury duty leave, disparate &#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5fb0786f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-fcdab8bb wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-topics-on-this-page\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Topics on this page<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n\n<div class=\"taxonomy-topic has-link-color wp-elements-5ec59eb01c09ec2f1d84a6b36973ff83 wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/\" rel=\"tag\">HR compliance<\/a><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__separator\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/\" rel=\"tag\">State-by-state compliance<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cararra-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cararra-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-about-the-author\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">About the author<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-658170e2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border is-style-rounded\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"128\" height=\"128\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/12085517\/Brightmine_Favicon_128px.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-681\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:500px;border-top-right-radius:500px;border-bottom-left-radius:500px;border-bottom-right-radius:500px;aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"\"><strong>The Brightmine Editorial Team<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Our in-house team of HR experts carefully monitors and updates the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/products\/hr-compliance-center\/\">Brightmine HR &amp; Compliance Center<\/a>, the most comprehensive library of employment law and HR resources. This team has an unrivaled wealth of subject matter expertise, with an average of 15 years&#8217; experience. They also bring invaluable, diverse career experiences to the table\u2014the team includes seasoned employment law attorneys, former in-house counsel, SHRM certified professionals and career employment law editors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">In addition to managing the HR &amp; Compliance Center, the Editorial Team supports the content across the Brightmine product portfolio. The Team also supports Marketing Resource Center with breaking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/category\/hr-news\/\">HR news<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/category\/c-and-i\/\">Commentary and Insights<\/a>, and expert review of key compliance resources, such as our free charts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/brightmine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Follow Brightmine on LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This Tennessee employment law overview reviews requirements employers should know if they have employees working in the state.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":6836,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"employment-law-overview","categories":[13],"tags":[],"topic":[25,77],"class_list":["post-6800","resources","type-resources","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides-how-to","topic-hr-compliance","topic-state-compliance"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.8 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - 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