My boss went into my office and found a cover letter for another job on my computer. What actions can I take?
2007-03-16 03:16:42 · 24 answers · asked by sabina 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Sorry, but I believe you really have no right to take any actions because you were doing other stuff besides your job while at work. Your office computer does not belong to you and thus any boss of yours has authority in this matter. Unless of course he was digging on a personal laptop of yours, or your personal briefcase. That would be like digging in someone else's wallet or purse. At my office we were told in orientation that anything we do on our computer is subject to be viewed by anyone in the office. We're on a network and thus accessing other people's computers is possible. You really should not have been looking for another job at your current workplace on your company's dime. That is supposed to be done at home. Although I am sure we all are guilty of this at some time or another.
As far as actions you can take....you could talk to your boss about it before he takes actions of his own. Or wait it out and see if he ignores it. Otherwise I don't think there is anything that you can do.
2007-03-16 03:26:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anne E 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If it is a company owned computer, then there is no action you can take. It was not terribly smart to look for a job on company time, and the employer has the right to go on your computer whenever he/she wishes. If it was your personal computer, that's another story. The boss has no right to use your computer without your permission. As for what he found, I reiterate, not too bright to look for a new job while still at your old job. You should have been looking on your own free time at home. You can commence legal action if it was your own personal computer, but is it worth it? Will you really gain anything?
2007-03-16 03:21:06 · answer #2 · answered by Kevin M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
None! You were using company property for personal use. If you don't have a computer at home, bring a disk to work and save your personal stuff to it. Of course, you MUST take the disk out of the computer when you're finished.
I'm sorry that this happened. It sucks. But since the computer belongs to the company, they have a right to check its contents. A company can monitor email usage too, so avoid sending personal email from your work account.
Good Luck.
2007-03-16 04:30:54 · answer #3 · answered by LifesAMystery 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can learn not to look for a job using the time, equipment, and money of your current employer. Your work space and computer is generally not private; companies have the right to go through your desk, your computer, your files/emails/voice mails, etc. Don't leave stuff at work that you don't want anyone at work to see.
2007-03-16 04:03:17 · answer #4 · answered by Mel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the state that I live in you can not do anything! Your computer does not belong to you...it belongs to your company. Which gives your boss all the rights to be on it when ever he/she wants. Might I suggest if you are going to keep things like that on your computer at work...make it a password file so only you can get into it.
2007-03-16 03:21:17 · answer #5 · answered by louise 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably none. He has the right to look at anything having to do with his company. Maybe he will see the cover letter as a sign and give you a rise.
2007-03-16 03:20:45 · answer #6 · answered by Michael S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
really none. if the company owns the computer, you have no recourse, should have done it on your home computer.If you didnt have one, then maybe a friends.Try to pull the information off, cover letter and all, and look for a new job,sounds like thats what you were doing anyway!!! Good luck
2007-03-16 03:21:48 · answer #7 · answered by bowsgirl1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless it was your personal computer, you are in the wrong. If it is a company computer, your boss was completely within his rights to do what he did.
Shame on you for being careless.
2007-03-16 03:45:49 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read your HR policy on privacy,We have none where I work.This is how ours reads:
The company provides computers,computer accounts and voice mail to it's employees to assist them in the performance of their jobs.Employees should not have an expectation of privacy in anything they create,send,store or receive on the Company's system.
They can monitor sites visited, chat groups, downloaded material,sent and received e-mail etc.
2007-03-16 03:25:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Was it your private computer? one you purchased and own and bring from home or was it an office computer?
If it was an office computer then you have no issues, they own the equipment and can do whatever they like with it ,including read anything which you have typed on it!
2007-03-16 03:19:54 · answer #10 · answered by SirSmartAzz 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋