Electronic Surveillance of Employees

Electronic Surveillance of Employees

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Electronic Surveillance of Employees

1. Explain where an employee can reasonably expect to have privacy in the workplace Today, employees grow increasingly concerned about their workplace privacy, because employers have been closely monitoring them through electronic surveillance more now than a decade ago. In some states, there are efforts made to try and cease the monitoring, however they are having little luck, and the debate will seemingly exist for years to come. In my opinion, employees should only expect to have privacy in restrooms, and break rooms in business organizations. In the case of the car sales business, the desks were appropriate for the type of business conducted, and the area is open so there is an open communication between customer and salesperson. 2. In the office workplace there are typically two types of workspaces, an open area, in which there are several desks and where conversations can be overhead, or an enclosed office, in which—when the door is closed—conversations cannot be heard and where one would expect virtually total privacy. Explain whether it makes a difference if an employee is in an open area or in an enclosed office. In a setting that is closed should only be done, if the supervisor needs personal information from the potential customers to purchase a vehicle. Sometimes, loan companies require additional information to be approved for a car loan and it setting is open where other customers can hear about another customer, and then the closed office would better suited the situation. Total privacy of the customer’s information is important, and should be kept confidential, especially if they are denied on their loan application; it would not be polite to allow the entire office to hear this. 3. Explain if Herman’s need to know whether his salespersons are honest is a sufficient ground for utilizing electronic surveillance I believe Herman does not have the right to listen to employee conversations, however he is allowed to install CCTV cameras near the work areas of employees to make sure of no white collar crimes, or suspicious deals on cars are being conducted. White collar crimes are so popular for one who is selfish and only thinking of pure greed to get whatever they can from a company, so businesses have to make sure their products are protected. Herman could hire security guards on the premises, and have them watch any vulnerable areas where employee thefts may occur. Herman could try using surveys to inquire on how his employees are satisfying the customer. 4. Explain to what extent an employer can engage in electronic surveillance of employees. Employers can engage in various security measures like CCTV monitors over the work area of employees, cash registers, private security personnel to watch any company product and merchandise. Employers cannot have monitors in the bathroom areas, or private body part areas. White collar crimes are on the rise, so employers can check employee sales, paperwork, and any relevant material that would cause a suspicion for theft of the company. Employers cannot monitor personal telephone calls made by the employee’s cellular phone; however they can monitor calls made from the company telephone. 5. Explain to what extent the inclusion of innocent, unaware third-parties in such surveillance determine whether it is legal. The Electronic Communication Privacy Act of 1986 in regards to intercepting the electronic communication is prohibited. A tort action for employees can be asserted if they can prove that their privacy was violated, and the courts decide on the intrusive alternatives of the offense. Employers need to tell employees that they will be monitored before hiring them, and have them sign a copy of the surveillance policy constructed, and potential employees should be able to voice their opinions on the monitoring system. Employers should tell employees that they need to uphold their positions with the highest professionalism, to always practice ethical principles routinely, to respect the clients at all times, and use the code of ethics while on and off duty for morals and values of the company’s mission and vision. Third-parties innocent customers need to be informed immediately that their conversations will be monitored, this way they understand the policy and can choose to consent or not.

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