Should you expect Privacy at work?!

cars · Post by **cars** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 7:13 am

I just read an article that says "a Federal court in CA", recently ruled that "worker's personal text messages" are "off limits" to employers.

Nevertheless, the article went on to say, that according to the American Management Association, "75%" of US employers use some form of electronic monitoring! Employers read emails, listen in on phone calls, monitor website visits, and even track where employees drive while on company time!

So, do you feel Employees deserve privacy?!

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 7:35 am

Except for visits to the ladies/gents rooms...................no. You are on "company time" at work. Respect...........yes. Privacy...........no. IMO

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 8:53 am

along-for-the-ride;990339 wrote: Except for visits to the ladies/gents rooms...................no. You are on "company time" at work. Respect...........yes. Privacy...........no. IMO

fully agree............and that goes for people using their damn cell phones!

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:54 am

Your on Company time what you do there is the companies business they can monitor your calls, emails and that is as it should be. With texting we have a whole new ballgame. Eventually Cell Phone use of any kind will be a NO NO in the work place. It is to distracting to the people around you and not a part of your job performance. :-5

They pay our salaries they make the rules pretty simple. Should they respect us YES OF COURSE and we should them as well.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 11:49 am

way way way to many personals calls at work as well.

In my years of being a receptionist.......this has just been overwhelming!

cars · Post by **cars** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 4:17 pm

Actually, I used to think as long as you meet your assigned tasks, a little off work le-way was ok. I mainly used the company's putter for assigned projects! That's until, I became a member of FG, then I would try to sneak in during breaks & during lunch. Well, one day I witnessed a fellow employee being greeted at his desk by his supv & two security guards. They spoke a few words, and then the employee packed a few of his personal belongings and was escorted out of the company! I kinda backed off signing into FG from then on at work!!!

Come to find out, the walked out employee, surprisingly was actually getting his assigned job done. Thus thinking he was safe. However, the company found out through monitoring, that he was "operating his own personal outside business" on the company putter! It was against the company's rules, and cause for immediate dissmissal! And walla, dismissed!!! (So rules are rules, break them, & pay the price!!!)

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 4:25 pm

just be careful............most employers now have computers that can see what all employees are looking at on their computer!

a recent employer of mine while I was on the interview, I had asked her........why is the other receptionist leaving?

My employer showed me her computer screen,which showed the the receptionists screen, she was on-line chatting to her friends on facebook!

-that is why she needed a new receptionist.

I know most have times of boredom at work, but Big Brother is now watching your computer screen!

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 4:39 pm

I teach 6th graders, who gets any privacy!:wah:

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 6:12 pm

chonsigirl;990728 wrote: I teach 6th graders, who gets any privacy!:wah:

:yh_rotfl

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 6:46 pm

I've always thought that doing personal stuff of any kind during work time is like stealing from your employer. Still, we're human, and get distracted - and also have small emergencies that do need time out. I think most employers would not object to this - an occasional private phone call, en email etc. But fair's fair. If you've got most of your mind on chatting online, texting your mates, surfing the web, doing crosswords, reading the newspaper etc, you aren't giving your employer the attention he/she's paying for. During official coffee breaks, lunch breaks etc - your time should be your own. And if that includes a bit of online play, why not?!!! As for privacy - no, I don't think employees have a right to this, they should be accountable. A good employer though will hopefully set reasonable bounds and give good employees the respect they give the employer.

Sigh - life would be so simple if everyone tried to do the right thing. :sneaky:

.... back to work...

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 6:54 pm

Absolutely one should expect privacy at work. Without a doubt.

I dont want my personal calls monitored, my emails read, my bathroom time tracked. If you let it happen, your everyday assumed privacies will be eradicated bit by bit.

It's just plain WRONG.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 6:59 pm

RedGlitter;990788 wrote: Absolutely one should expect privacy at work. Without a doubt.

I dont want my personal calls monitored, my emails read, my bathroom time tracked. If you let it happen, your everyday assumed privacies will be eradicated bit by bit.

It's just plain WRONG.

funny you should say that, my washroom time was tracked! My employer one day waited outside the washroom for me, wondering why I was in there again, after I was gone also 20 minutes before that!

When I came out and asked her WFT what she doing?

She said, waiting, wasn't sure if you were out smoking!:-5

you can only imagine then what I wanted to say to her!:D

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 7:20 pm

I wouldnt work for a place like that. I have integrity and I expect nothing less from my employers.

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 7:30 pm

It not wrong and its not Illegal your on their property, their time they are paying you to work, they own the equipment you work on including your office PC. They can and do monitor everything you do on your PC, and telephone. When your out of the office at company events that they pay your mileage for and your appearance there, they can monitor your activities. You are employed by them not the other way around. You can and will lose your job if you don't pay attention to these details. They don't owe you privacy in the work place all they owe you is fair pay and a safe working environment PRIVACY is not part of that. Example: Mail you receive at work is not private if it come to the company they have the right to open it if addressed to the business. It is all documented and taught to anyone in Management.

You want PRIVACY stay home and work out of it. If you work for someone else they have every right to monitor your activities the 8 hours of the day your in the office, or in the field representing them. That's the way of business in the world today and it won't change it will get more detailed as times goes on.

I have never worked for a company that allowed personal calls unless they were of an emergency nature. What makes people think they can take 5 to 10 personal calls a day on their cell phones in the middle of the office full of cubicles where everyone has to listen to their nonsense, or chat online on their PC's. Sorry its never been allowed so get use to it.

[QUOTE]Absolutely one should expect privacy at work. Without a doubt.

I dont want my personal calls monitored, my emails read, my bathroom time tracked. If you let it happen, your everyday assumed privacies will be eradicated bit by bit.

It's just plain WRONG[/QUOTE]

koan · Post by **koan** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 7:41 pm

I started out thinking "hell, yes, there should be privacy" but I don't do anything personal during work time re messaging or phone calls. I had in mind that the place I work, being monitored by video, creates an atmosphere where we know if we talk to another employee for five minutes or more, someone will arrive to "break it up" and we feel like we are being watched... I mean, know that we are being watched at all times. It's really creepy and creates a terrible environment. As a result I've had a personal beef about privacy for the last while but not regarding things like emailing friends or chatting on work time. I just think we should be able to have a friendly chat with coworkers once in awhile without someone showing up within minutes and handing out menial chores as punishment.

They also don't allow family to attend their Christmas parties or dinners. The excuse is that people feel compelled to stay next to their family the whole time as they don't know anyone and, as a result, don't get to talk to their coworkers. My current policy is that, when I'm at work I'm with my coworkers and when I'm not at work I'm part of a family. If they don't care who my family is then they can "socialize" without me. It spins my mind that they actually expect me to attend after work functions without my SO.

eta: I realize that second part is off topic slightly but... sort of related.

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 8:25 pm

Sorry its never been allowed so get use to it.

If its all the same to you, i'll take my privacy rights and go work in a respectable firm. Im not going to "get used to it" because I value my privacy and I value a firm with enough INTEGRITY that it doesn't feel a need to snoop on me. I'm not there for that crap.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 8:36 pm

JAB;990795 wrote: When we bring on a new employee, we have them sign a 'non-privacy' form acknowledging that the the PC and email account they are being given is considered company property and as such can be subject to review and monitoring. When I do new hire paperwork, I let folks know that although no one is sitting in a dark room somewhere reading their personal email, they shouldn't forget that the info is all backed up and stored on the company's servers.

Great idea JAB, your being upfront and honest with your employess...........I respect that as an employee!

As others have said and I agree, your on company time, company computers, etc........your not at work to do personal emails, on-line shopping, etc.

Also with to many personal phone-calls, cells or thru the switchboard......should be limited.............everyone has a lunch hour, they can make calls then.

And its also not right that some do and some don't!

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:37 pm

Think of it this way

you own a good promising company pay emplyees well - health care provided

with extra's and let's throw in bonus's..

you do a walk thru - of your Company

1 - employee is on their cell phone - well that's not productive

1 - employee using CO. computer with craig's list - no productive

1 - employee out for a smoke break - not productive

1- employee constantly late for shift - not productive

1- employee checking private e-mail - not productive

1- employee on Co. phone with personal call - not productive

and you'd like the owner/ME to throw in DENTAL INS. in the package..?

well Ladies - I'd fire you

you wanted privacy - well by God now you have it.... BYE BYE

You apply for a job - do the job

all personal BS is done on breaks/lunch time.. If you chose to use my computer - warnings are posted - be ware - big brother is watching. If I find a violation in the discription you applied for - BYE BYE

the employer / ME hired you to do a job

your paid well - good benny's & Bonus's

Don't you dare take advantage of me - that would be my attitude

basically - UMMM McDonalds if hiring - now clear out your desk..

I managed Doctor's Office's - I've seen it all, I'd give warnings - 3 strikes BYE BYE

bye bye Patsy

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:46 pm

I don't believe in invading the privacy of ALL for the mistakes of SOME. That's what it amounts to. I also don't presume that everyone makes private calls/facebooks/chats/emails/etc.

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 11:56 pm

RED

if you owned a Company - how do you want to run it?

I'm sorry - you've been out of the work loop.

it's not a pretty picture out there. it's worse than I described it.

yes, they all make & do private crap on CO. time

it's just that simple. And some have the attitude they deserve to do it.

OK - remember this conversation - next time when you go to a Dr's Appt.

watch the office harmony - if there is harmony???

Maybe your scheduled & maybe not? maybe someone will answer that phone?

How long will you wait? Did they lose your paperwork? Did someone go before your Appt.. Are they eating? and & &

Honestly - I'm all over that crap now that I'm a patient. I'll flip open those sliding glass windows & unload

my time as a patient is just as important as their's. lollygagging around & talking about baby clothes & the Baby shower last Saturday as she holds her cell phone....

My girlfriend works for AT&T - co-worker is always on Craigs list

My girlfriend is a Pharmacist - co worker is just a social butterfly- not a productive individual - not a team worker - will not help, assist

and this is a HOSPITAL - people in pain & waiting as she giggles down the line and allows This bulk of work to land on 1 or 2 workers instead of stepping in & helping, she chats & goes on break during the worse work load time..

I'm telling ya and no offense to to young - but the younger the worker, the worse the attitude.

I completely understand where your coming from RED- I find it a invasion on me too.

here's a example

I worked 4 day's a week 7am to 7 pm for a DR./clinic

un known to me the owner gets a printout from the security system to prove who arrives & opens the office on time ..? wow

during a office meeting he annouced that I had the best percentage

I had to open at 7 not 7:05 not 7:15. open at 7:00 a.m....

open at 7 means up & running - phone off the message service - rooms open , clean everything up & running at 7.. and trust me, I had patients waiting outside the building at 6:45a.m.. and they will talk to DR....

1 worker out of 6 is in each department is worthless, so if you have @ 4 dept.'s you've got at least 4 worthless moochers - and they'll be the complainers.

she said this - & I can't & I and & &... The other workers are now pissed and their complaining that this worker isn't & won't & doesn't , can't and & &.

nothing worse than women & hormones spiking...

Goes back to HARMONY in the work place

by the time all this crap gets to the owner, who's striving to grow

what solution does a owner have to monitor the BS behind his back.??

I wish it was a simple life too - it's not.

but if you owned a Co. - have alot $$ riding on it - sorry, there's no other way to protect your investment.

people are greedy - most pampered - i f worker's had 6 kids to feed - they'd work their ass off & a owner new it, felt secure..

different times now.

so - watch how Co,'s are run & let me know how your treated..?

or did you sit in a lobby - while the worker took a cig break first ?

Patsy

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:54 pm

Your need or desire to have PRIVACY on the job isn't your employers responsibility period. It's not a choice you have the right to make. Your on their property, using their equipment and getting paid for it. Your entitled to respect, pay and a safe environment and that is it. Your not "ENTITLED" to or will you get PRIVACY in todays office, its just not an option that is even in the employee manual for any company I know of. It has nothing to do with being a respectable firm its the law.

[QUOTE]If its all the same to you, i'll take my privacy rights and go work in a respectable firm. Im not going to "get used to it" because I value my privacy and I value a firm with enough INTEGRITY that it doesn't feel a need to snoop on me. I'm not there for that crap.

They are and in alarming amounts and employers have every legal right to monitor and stop them.

[QUOTE]I also don't presume that everyone makes private Calls/facebooks/chats/emails/etc.[/QUOTE]

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 9:37 pm

I was once a manager of Mc'Donalds Restaurants.......you know all of the rules before you are hired...........you get no second chances.

If you played with any of the rules, you were terminated immediately.

no if's ands or butts.

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 9:51 pm

Okay whats with all the animosity in a simple thread like this? Everyone can have their opinions whether we agree with each other or not. The bold type and attitude, what's with that?

You ask how else to handle it. Maybe the way it should be. Tell them the rules about the phone or computer or whatever and when you catch them in the act- the normal way- then you take action. I refuse to accept "this is how it is" because if you want change you don't accept "how it is."

Treat people as if they are honest rather than implying right on their hire dates that they're thieves. You might get more respect that way. Yeah I know, bs, what do I know, yada yada. And I hold to what I say.

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 9:57 pm

Well, we all read the rules for FG

yet we're monitored

I have integrity God Damm it.

Patsy

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 7:34 am

How Ironic

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:56 am

Patsy Warnick;992180 wrote: Well, we all read the rules for FG

yet we're monitored

I have integrity God Damm it.

Patsy
Hah, good point Patsy.

FG I WANT MY PRIVACY!!!!!

ATTICA ATTICA ATTICA ATTICA!!!!

Oooops, is that you lurking Tombstone?

Shakin the bush boss, shaking the bush..

Mustang · Post by **Mustang** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:07 am

I think they call that a fair day's work for a fair day of pay.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:24 am

Patsy Warnick;992180 wrote: Well, we all read the rules for FG

yet we're monitored

I have integrity God Damm it.

Patsy

darn good point!

I need my privacy!:wah:

cars · Post by **cars** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:39 pm

I have to agree with Mustang. An "honest day's pay", for an "honest day's work"! That is what's contracted for by both the employer, & the employee! Both outlooks are totally fair!

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 10:16 pm

Please read

Every boss/owner's reason to have improved control - regulate/monitor.

Please tell me why she did it? beyond neglegent.

I'm employed for a Dr.'s Office, basically bought , I meet the employee's & the billing clerk. With growth the office we're now seeing @ 240 a day +,, 4 day's a week.,

I was paid great, free manicures, haircuts, lavish gifts on Holiday's and Bonus's.

I worked my butt off , enjoyed my job & truely enjoyed all the patient's.

I kept seeing a pattern with this billing clerk - alway's in the kitchen area - alway's eating. I'm thinking - how could she have this laxed time - we're so busy.??

I got suspicious - I started pulling patient files, ok - ok - didn't bill, what?

I pull more files = didn't bill. didn't bill ...OMG

so, I see another pattern - she wasn't billing MEDICARE PATIENTS.

for those who don't know - you have one year from the appt. to recover payment from Medicare. Now - this is thousands & for how long?? For the length of time she was employed.. WHY ?

I started to tremble - and now I have to tell my DR.

At the end of the day Dr. & I had a chat - He flew himself up against the wall,

I thought he was having a heart attach.

Needless to say she was FIRED - we/I worked my butt off to recover all we could.

why would a well appreciated employee screw this Boss out of thousands.?

I never understood this one.?

On the other hand - Boss's aren't exactly perfect either attitude....

I walked into a DR.'s Office, he was doing a line of COCAINE. OPP'S

So there you go.. Both sides of a coin of employment.

Thank's for reading & I would like your imput.

Patsy

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 5:24 am

simple................she was just plain lazy......seen it everywhere.

cars · Post by **cars** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:48 pm

Perfect example of Employee's "privacy" left unchecked, goes amuck! :wah:

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:51 pm

cars;995967 wrote: Perfect example of Employee's "privacy" left unchecked, goes amuck! :wah:

:yh_rotfl