r is really quite simple…An employee is a direct representative of the company and his/her actions (either on, or in some cases, off the job) are a direct reflection on the employer’s brand, reputation and image in the marketplace. Companies are in reality most frequentlyThe subject matter surrounding an employer’s right to information vs. an employee’s right to privacy seems to be an ever proliferating area of complexity and contention. The text that follows will not delve into a discussion on the legalities of the issue, but rather my opinions based upon personal experience and what I believe to be a common sense approach.

During my career I have been lucky enough to be both employer and employee, as well as to serve as a professional to both, and regardless of which role I have played my opinion has never wavered with regard to the subject matter at hand. It is this author’s opinion that employment is a privilege and not a right. A job is something an employee has to compete for to secure, as well as perform up to certain expectations to retain. It is effort expended on the employee’s behalf in return for remuneration and the privilege of remaining employed. A job is not something to be viewed as a right of entitlement.

So why does an employer need to have so much access to the personal information of its employees? The answer is really quite simple…An employee is a direct representative of the company and his/her actions (either on, or in some cases, off the job) are a direct reflection on the employer’s brand, reputation and image in the marketplace. Companies are in reality most frequently

pinions based upon personal experience and what I believe to be a common sense approach.

During my career I have been lucky enough to be both employer and employee, as well as to serve as a professional to both, and regardless of which role I have played my opinion has never wavered with regard to the subject matter at hand. It is this author’s opinion that employment is a privilege and not a right. A job is something an employee has to compete for to secure, as well as perform up to certain expectations to retain. It is effort expended on the employee’s behalf in return for remuneration and the privilege of remaining employed. A job is not something to be viewed as a right of entitlement.

So why does an employer need to have so much access to the personal information of its employees? The answer is really quite simple…An employee is a direct representative of the company and his/her actions (either on, or in some cases, off the job) are a direct reflection on the employer’s brand, reputation and image in the marketplace. Companies are in reality most frequently

as never wavered with regard to the subject matter at hand. It is this author’s opinion that employment is a privilege and not a right. A job is something an employee has to compete for to secure, as well as perform up to certain expectations to retain. It is effort expended on the employee’s behalf in return for remuneration and the privilege of remaining employed. A job is not something to be viewed as a right of entitlement.

So why does an employer need to have so much access to the personal information of its employees? The answer is really quite simple…An employee is a direct representative of the company and his/her actions (either on, or in some cases, off the job) are a direct reflection on the employer’s brand, reputation and image in the marketplace. Companies are in reality most frequently

ded on the employee’s behalf in return for remuneration and the privilege of remaining employed. A job is not something to be viewed as a right of entitlement.

So why does an employer need to have so much access to the personal information of its employees? The answer is really quite simple…An employee is a direct representative of the company and his/her actions (either on, or in some cases, off the job) are a direct reflection on the employer’s brand, reputation and image in the marketplace. Companies are in reality most frequently

r is really quite simple…An employee is a direct representative of the company and his/her actions (either on, or in some cases, off the job) are a direct reflection on the employer’s brand, reputation and image in the marketplace. Companies are in reality most frequently judged upon the quality, integrity and character of their employees.

Unless the employer crosses a clear legal boundary all is fair in the employer’s pursuit of corporate protection. In my book drug tests, recording phone conversations, monitoring e-mail, web browsing habits and information stored on company computers are perfectly acceptable measures for an employer to take in safeguarding the reputation and security of the enterprise.

All reputable companies have employee handbooks, job descriptions and/or employment agreements that the employee is asked to read and sign prior to commencing work for the employer. These documents clearly outline company practices, procedures and processes. All employees should have very clear visibility with respect to company expectations before they ever show-up for their first day of work. Moreover there are normally human resources intake interviews and initial training periods that go over company policies in greater detail. Employees are normally well informed as to company practices and have the ability to make an infor