What is the recipe for Coke? Can you tell me Colonel Sanders 11 herbs and spices? I couldn't tell you, but there are probably some employees of those companies who can. If you thought about it long enough, I am sure there are things you don't want your competitors or the world to know either. Your customer lists? Your suppliers? The secret that makes your product special? What protections do you have for your confidential information and trade secrets with respect to current and former employees? What can you do better to prevent former employees from stealing your secrets and sharing them with your competitors when they leave you.

From simple confidentiality clauses to covenants not to compete, this month's employer handbook piece will give you some practical ideas for protecting what is yours.

To download this month's edition of the Employer Handbook, click here.