What are some examples of how an employer may invade an employee’s privacy in the workplace?

Answer 1

With most reputable employers, you may assume you have privacy when you're using the restroom. You may also assume that, in accordance with federal regulations, your employer will maintain confidentiality for your health insurance records.

Beyond that, when you're using your employer's equipment, it's safe to assume the employer may legally:

-- Read e-mails you've sent and received.

-- Monitor your Internet use.

-- Install monitoring software that will track every keystroke you make on your keyboard.

-- Monitor your telephone calls.

-- Look through your trash.

-- Maintain security camera surveillance on their property.

-- Require drug tests.

Specific employee privacy rights may vary from state to state.

Most employers, especially the larger ones with human resource professionals on staff, will disclose their policies in these areas prior to employment. Employers who guard trade secrets closely (such as those involved in research) may have stricter policies regarding e-mail and other communications practices. Employers in transportation may have stricter policies regarding drug testing.

Also keep in mind that the vast majority of employers will only look into these things if they suspect there's a problem. For example, if a coworker complains that you're visiting x-rated Web sites, someone in the HR department might look at the log for your computer to check your surfing habits.

Answer 2

A worker has very few privacy rights.
An employer may listen in on phone calls, read your email, tape you at your desk, trace all your internet activity, force you to give blood and urine samples, demand that you not use tobacco, drugs or alcohol on or off the worksite.
One of the few privacy ights you have in a workplace, is the privacy of tyour health records, your job reviews, your salary history, and to go to the bathroom.

Answer 3

there is no employee privacy at the workplace unless u count going to the toilet. while youre at work u are on the company time, therefore u 'belong' to them while u r on the clock, making everything about u theirs. if u use the internet, everything u get at work belongs to them n they have a right to view it cuz it was on their time and their pc when u got it. they have a right to test u for drugs when they feel like it etc

Answer 4

Some employers are now testing employees to see if they smoke or drink on their off time (after work), and are terminating them if they do. Shades of big brother.

Answer 5

Monitoring phone calls, intercepting emails, keylogger program installed on computer, hidden video cameras, searching though desks or lockers. It's legal in most states so make sure you behave yourself at work!

Answer 6

Right to search person or vehicle while on property, random drug testing, monitoring e-mail and computer usage

Answer 7

Going through your blood after you get hired. Reading your e-mail, doing a credit check, etc....

Answer 8

emails...really anything you do on the company computer

Answer 9

drug testing