The importance of privacy in your workplace
These days, the courts face many issues related to decisions made about the employer’s right to know versus the employee’s right to privacy. The interests of employers seem to be in conflict with the privacy rights of employees these days. People get paid for their productivity, however in recent times there is a lot of apprehension about wasting time, especially with internet browsing and social media. This sometimes creates liability for an employer through the circulation of inappropriate material and the downloading of viruses. This leads to the loss of precious time and money. Employees, on the other hand, find employers very intrusive as they follow and monitor their every move.
Many privacy invasive techniques are used these days including but not limited to computer software that tracks movements, monitoring phones and emails. Other forms are taken, besides those relevant for credit checks, background checks, circuit surveillance, location tracking, etc.
Some of these modes are discussed below.
monitoring the computer
The employee’s work habits can be easily tracked with the computer. Employees can be monitored at any time as the boss has access to the computer network and terminal. Available computer software can help track any type of internet usage, emails, and even keystrokes.
The boss can access a company’s intranet and email system without any problem. An employer may choose to monitor any mail going to or arriving at the employee. Mail systems have backup copies, so even deleted emails remain in the system for later access.
call monitoring
Telephone conversations can be traced and monitored as long as the employee shares consent with the employer. The organization must ensure that the employee is aware of the procedure in which calls are monitored.
Dialed phone numbers
A pen register allows the recording of telephone numbers dialed by the employee. Dialed numbers along with the duration of each call can be viewed with this arrangement.
rental tracking
Location tracking software can be used for this purpose. Any movement of the employee through the workplace can be detected. This is mainly used for security purposes. In this way, the employer can verify the time a person spends on each task.
Aside from people who have some type of misconduct to their name, others may choose to choose their right to privacy. Certain rights are described below.
Background checks
An employer must keep the employee informed of such checks and also requires consent before continuing with the checks.
Going through personal things
Personal belongings cannot be searched at the workplace.
· Disclosure of employee information is offensive.
Although it is very obvious that some of these measures are extreme, all said and done, you are paid for productivity and that should be your main concern. That being said, all of these measures shouldn’t affect you much as a responsible employee.