So, you are on the computer at work reading your personal emails. Chances are your employer is too. Actually, your employer can do anything he wants when it comes to workplace privacy, he owns the phone you talk on and the computer you use, not to mention the building in which you work. According to workplace privacy studies, 92% of employers deny their employees privacy rights.
At the hiring interview and sometime during the process, you may be handed a paper of your rights as an employee and be made to sign the paper, which will be inserted in your employee folder. It will describe in detail what the company expects from you as an employee and list the company’s privacy policy.
- Surveillance cameras- Placed around the work place where you least expect them. They are hidden on the ceilings or behind the counters, but they are there watching your every move. I know, I have surveillance cameras all over the ceiling where I work. I have this incredible urge to say "Cheese" when I see them.
- Reading your incoming and outgoing emails - there are software programs that can be installed on computers that tell an employer where you have been on the Internet and for how long while monitoring every keystroke.
- Companies can track your location within their building by your cell phone or security badge.
Personal Appearance, this one I have to agree on. I have worked many places where even I would of sent the person home.
- Employers have the right to send anyone home that does not meet their dress code. Employers have the right to make sure neatness, appearance and hygiene are addressed.
- Not only does the company present itself as looking professional, it also contributes to safety in the store. If you worked in the deli department, you couldn’t wear high heels to work.
Off-Duty Behavior
- What you do on your day off can cost you your job. Especially if it is a criminal activity or embarrasses the company.
Lie Detector Tests
- Companies can demand that you take a lie detector test when applying for a position within a company for law enforcement or handling pharmaceuticals.
Personality Tests
- You know these. They are the 40 questions they ask you at the end of your online application. The "tricky" multiple-choice questions that can have more than one answer. Then there are the tests that the employer generally requires such as typing tests for clerical jobs or strength tests for positions requiring certain physical skills.
- Drug Testing Employers can request an employee to submit to a drug test following an injury or as a pre-condition to employment. Refusal to take the drug test can lead to dismissal or not being hired.
Company Locker Searches
- Locker searches can be performed whenever the company wants to check for any reason. This is to make sure there is nothing in there that would put the company in jeopardy and to periodically check on the employee. The employee has no idea when these searches occur since the company has the locker combinations.
OSHA - Workers Rights
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 stipulates safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health; and for other purposes.
- Minimum wage - To be compensated no less than the minimum wage.
- For certain employees, overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a week.
- A safe working environment.
- To not be discriminated against due to a disability or handicap.
- Freedom from workplace discrimination.
- Freedom from sexual harassment.
- Freedom to speak to a government agency about illegal conduct by the employer.
- Time off to tend to family and medical needs.
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Some companies give employees rights to disagree with supervisors or to complain about things that they feel to be unfair. These rights are usually contained in the
employee handbook. They include:
- Employee grievance rights and procedures against supervisors.
- Procedures for complaints for sexual harassment.
- Procedures for complaints against discrimination.
- Resolution processes for disagreements between supervisors and employees.
Check with your state and your employer to see if there are other privacy rights you may have in your place of business. Usually such work practices are posted in the employee lunchroom.
If not ask why not?
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