Work Privacy Issues

The downturn in the economy recently has caused many businesses to be more cautious about whom they hire and trust to do their work. In fact, human resource professionals work carefully to keep costs associated with lack of productivity down as much as possible. Many workplace issues like personal technology use and drug use contribute to millions of dollars lost each year. New technology and other new advancements have made it much simpler for employers to monitor their workers.

In terms of technological use in the office, employers have many tools available to them for monitoring purposes. Employers can keep track of phone calls made from their office as well as track computer and internet use. Email and voicemail are also checked frequently. Laws surrounding employee privacy rights are so gray, its nearly impossible to tell when an employer legally oversteps their bounds.

Most employers have a clearly written policy regarding their monitoring policies to avoid any confusion. It seems the only way to avoid monitoring is to use personal mobile devices. Even texting on company phones have been the subject of severe scrutiny in the past.

Drug use has also been screened heavily in the workplace. Many employers now require employees to be randomly screen. This is definitely the case for businesses that have heavy machinery or other dangerous equipment on their property. In order to avoid problems such as absenteeism and workplace hazards associated with drug use, employers often use drug screens to determine hire eligibility. Also, many randomly drug screen their current employees.

Drug screening has also been linked to reduced employee healthcare costs. Insurance for employees is often reduced if an employer drug tests. Currently, employers have the right to administer a wide variety of drug tests including hair, saliva, urine and even blood tests. Each state has its own policies and laws regulating employer drug testing.