Privacy Laws In The Workplace
Can an employer fire a worker over personal beliefs?
Federal law does prohibit discrimination based on an employees religious beliefs. Many state laws, if not all state laws, do prohibit that. California, for example, is a state that prohibits discrimination based on an employees religious beliefs. If the person's religious beliefs are affecting their performance in the workplace, such as their trying to convert other employees, and are using their religious beliefs in a disruptive manner, then an employer in certain circumstances may be able to take disciplinary actions against that employee. However, you need to be very cautious when doing so.
Can a company read employees' e-mail messages?
A company can read an employees e-mail messages when that employee is using the companys internet, or when the employee is using the company computer. What this is going to depend upon is what that particular company's policies state. It's a very good idea to advise your employees that the company has a right to inspect e-mail and voicemail and the like.
Can a company randomly search employees to discourage theft?
Generally, a company can conduct random searches to protect against things such as employee theft, but again this is going to depend upon that employers particular personnel policy. You do want to advise your employees in advance that random searches can be conducted. Typically, an employer's workplace is something that they have a right to inspect, including something such as an employees desk and an employees computer.
