Technology has made it possible for employers to monitor many aspects of their employees' jobs, especially on telephones, computer terminals, through electronic and voice mail, and when employees are using the Internet. Many employers take advantage of this technology and do monitor their employees. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) receives more complaints about workplace rights violations than about any other issue. If you are concerned about your privacy at your workplace, consider these additional facts regarding workplace monitoring: • Three of four companies monitor their employees in some way: 63 percent track Internet use; 47 percent store and review e-mail messages; 15 percent use video surveillance; 12 percent record phone conversations; eight percent review voice-mail messages. • 63 percent of companies require employees to undergo medical tests; 62 percent of those require drug tests. • Eight of 10 Human Resource professionals conduct criminal background checks on potential employees, up 26 percent since 1996. Employers should inform you if they practice workplace monitoring, and most do. More than 80 percent of employers disclose their monitoring practices to employees. Check with your employer to learn more about your company's policies concerning employee privacy.
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