Privacy

How to legally limit recording devices in the workplace

11/06/2018

Be it a smartphone, tablet or laptop, cameras and voice recording systems are everywhere. Employers can take concrete steps to limit how much of the technology is allowed in the workplace. But those policies may violate state and federal laws if not carefully crafted.

Bill to limit noncompetes considered in Harrisburg

11/06/2018

A bill before the Pennsylvania General Assembly would outlaw most noncompete agreements and give employees a private cause of action against employers should the employer attempt to enforce a noncompete agreement.

No, you can’t make staff divulge their meds

07/19/2018

The EEOC has filed a lawsuit against a Texas employer that requires all its employees to report every medication they take, both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Emerging issues affect how to handle trade secrets

04/16/2018

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced plans to file criminal charges against employers that collude to fix wages or not hire one another’s workers under “nonpoaching agreements.” As a result, employers are more likely than ever to either have their trade secrets compromised or face liability for knowingly or unknowingly possessing a competitor’s confidential information.

Feds’ rules for safeguarding sensitive info

04/12/2018

A Trump administration official’s frustration over confidentiality breaches has turned into useful advice that can benefit HR professionals who worry about disclosure of sensitive information.

Using GPS to monitor staff? Know legal risks and 5 best practices

01/18/2018

With the rise in GPS technology, employers have unprecedented access to their employees’ whereabouts. However, before an employer begins using GPS to monitor employees, it should consider the related legal ramifications and employee privacy issues.

Court: Drug testing is not an inherent invasion of employee privacy

01/02/2018

Employers can drug test employees as part of a safety program. The mere existence of a properly designed testing program does not invade a worker’s right to privacy.

Always get employee’s permission to record conversation about complaints

11/08/2017

Here’s a reminder for Pennsylvania employers: Before videotaping or otherwise recording an investigation into an employee complaint, get permission to do so. Otherwise, you may face a wiretapping criminal charge.

Fingerprint time tracking? Check state law

10/26/2017

In recent years, employers have seized on biometric technologies such as fingerprint scanning as a way to control time-clock abuse. But before you rush out to buy the latest in technology, be sure to check with your attorney or your state labor department.

Wave of the future? Company offers to microchip employees

08/03/2017

A company in Wisconsin might be taking a bold step into the future—or a frightening turn down a dystopian path.