Employers find themselves in a unique legal position these days. Violating privacy rights creates a risk for a civil suit. A failure to understand the proper ways to protect employee privacy doesn’t cut it as a legal defense against a canada employment lawyer. So, learning the necessary steps to protect employee privacy rights also protects a business from liability risks.

Liability risks aren’t the only issue here. Employees that become upset over privacy violations may quit. Why allow with such avoidable office turnover problems to exist?

Business owners should take definitive steps to improve employee privacy. A few simple steps could improve privacy in the workplace immensely.

Bar Personal Use of Office Computers and Smartphones

Advise employees not to conduct personal business on company computers or mobile devices. Termination for lack of productivity alone should deter employees from using office property for internet browsing, emailing, and other personal activities.

The other reason involves privacy matters. Internet browser histories and phone records reveal information an employee may not wish to share. Maintaining the privacy of this information becomes difficult when using an office computer or smartphone.

Invest in Personnel File Security

Do not make the mistake of inadequately storing personnel files. Information about salaries, discipline records, and work history must remain purely confidential. Leaving the files out in the open reflects the most egregious example of failure to maintain proper security. Relying on filing cabinets without proper locks or failing to institute effective human resource policies also create issues.

Review Laws Related to Employee Privacy

Employers benefit from becoming familiar with laws on the books regarding employee privacy. Anyone confused about what current law allows or disallows can review the statutes. Be mindful that new laws and regulations may emerge. Court decisions could change current law. Staying on top of the legality related to employee privacy becomes difficult at times. Retaining the services of an attorney familiar with employee privacy law takes the burden off the shoulders of the employer.

Yes, attorneys do come with legal fees. The fees might turn out to indirectly be valuable investments. An attorney’s advice could curtail employee turnover or prevent a costly lawsuit.

Bring in Experts

Training seminars and webinars remain consistently popular. When new technology emerges, calling in an expert to boost the knowledge base of employees and staff becomes a top priority. Why not take the same pressing attitude towards employee privacy? An expert in employee privacy matters could instruct management and employees about critical steps necessary for preserving privacy. When in-house staffs lacks the knowledge, bring in an outside professional. Even a short “lunch and learn” type seminar could prove valuable.

Ask for Employee Input

The noble goal of protecting employee privacy sometimes overlooks the advice and opinions of the employees themselves. Requesting employee feedback regarding privacy concerns can assist management in instituting better policies. If an employee’s request isn’t reasonable under a company policies or the law, an appropriate and thoughtful response may be crafted.

Improving employee privacy must become an immediate priority for a business. Too many problems can derive from not taking workplace privacy seriously.