Can My Employer Read My E-mail?
Your employer can generally read your e-mail. This does, however, depend on your employer's policies regarding acceptable computer and e-mail use. Most courts will now side with employers on issues of e-mail and computer privacy, unless the employer has a specific computer privacy policy.
Can My Employer Hide Cameras in the Office or Workplace?
An employer can install cameras in public workplace areas for security reasons or to discourage theft. In most states, however, employers cannot install cameras in private places such as bathrooms and changing rooms. But even with a legitimate business purpose for having cameras installed, employers MUST inform all employees that there are cameras present.
Can My Employer Randomly Search Employees?
Employers can sometimes search employees. For example, if something was stolen recently, the employer may be allowed to search employees' belongings, but not their bodies. There is no clear-cut answer to this, and if you feel your privacy rights have been violated by employer searches, you should speak with an employment lawyer.
Can My Employer Listen to My Voicemail or Phone Conversations?
Employers are legally allowed to monitor business-related phone calls for quality control. However, employers are not allowed to monitor personal phone calls made by employees. With regard to voicemail, it is likely that employers are legally allowed to listen to voicemail messages. This is particularly true if the employer has a legitimate reason to do so. An employer may not be allowed to listen to voicemail, however, if there is a specific privacy policy dealing with voicemail.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
If you feel as though your privacy rights have been violated in the workplace, you should speak with an employment lawyer. An employment attorney can help you understand how the law works and can represent you in court. |
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