Most employees rarely read, let alone understand, their company’s Privacy Policy. But this is not just a legal requirement; it sheds light on how organizations handle sensitive and personal employee data.
Today, we will discuss your Company’s Privacy Policy, dissecting its implications on employee privacy, its collection and distribution of data, and what it reveals about your company’s approach to data privacy.
What Your Company's Privacy Policy Reveals
Who Has Access to Your Data?
A. Employees or Third Parties?
One essential component of your Company’s Privacy Policy is the disclosure of who can access your personal data.
Many employees assume that their data is safe within the confines of the company, but the reality is that personal information is often shared with third parties.
This sharing may include contractors, consultants, data processors, or marketing firms. Depending on the contractual agreements, and the nature of your data privacy policy, access to your data could be far more widespread than you might think.
B. How Much Information is Shared with Each Party?
Your Employee Privacy Policy should detail the extent of the information that is shared with these third parties, whether it is basic contact information or more sensitive financial and health data.
Companies may share your data with third parties for legitimate business purposes, such as payroll processing or providing employee benefits. However, it is crucial to understand the scope of information being shared and ensure that third-party sharing aligns with your expectations.
What Data is Collected and Stored?
A. Types of Personal Information Collected
Your Employee Privacy Policy also outlines the types of data your company collects from you during your employment. This data can include your contact information, salary records, Social Security number, benefits information, and even biometric data (fingerprints, facial recognition, etc.).
It may also list additional information that is indirectly collected, such as browsing habits and other online activity when using company devices.
B. Length of Time Data Is Stored
Here’s a little secret that many employees may not be privy to- your data can be stored for an indefinite period, even after you leave the company. The Employee Privacy Policy reveals how long your company holds onto your personal information. While some companies delete or anonymize data when an employee leaves the company or within a certain timeframe, others retain information indefinitely.
Understanding your company’s data retention policy allows you to make informed decisions about sharing sensitive information and negotiating changes, if possible.
How Are You Notified When Changes are Made to the Privacy Policy?
Companies update their Employee Privacy Policy to stay current with legislation, new technology, or changes in data usage practices. However, these changes might be hidden in plain sight, and employees might not be aware of them.
Your policy should discuss how the company informs employees about changes and updates.
This might include notifications via email or the company intranet, staff meetings, or simply posting an updated policy on the company website.
It is vital for employees to actively engage with privacy policy updates to have full awareness of their data privacy rights and protections.
Wrap Up
Your Company’s Privacy Policy holds the keys to understanding how your personal data is collected, used, stored, and shared during your employment.
Being aware of these policies and keeping abreast of updates can help you make better decisions about protecting your privacy both while employed and after termination.
So next time you brush off the importance of your Employee Privacy Policy, remember that knowing the contents of this document is crucial for safeguarding your rights and maintaining your privacy in the workplace.
