The Naked Employee: How Technology is Compromising Workplace Privacy

Many companies use sophisticated surveillance technology to monitor what employees view online. Some organizations overtly or secretly videotape their employees, monitor their movements with swipe cards or badges, and even collect "samples" to screen for drug use. Sure, a company has a right to check up on productivity and make sure that property and equipment are not being misused, but how much surveillance is too much? Frederick Lane's new book is a real eye-opener. An attorney, author, and "expert witness," he offers real-life examples of workplace data collection, explains the technologies used, and provides comprehensive end notes to each chapter. While some watchfulness is clearly needed, he argues against the collection of excessive amounts of employees' private information—which negatively impacts morale—and makes a case for Congress to impose some limits on workplace surveillance. As importantly, employees need to change their expectations of privacy in the workplace. If you think you're not being watched, think again.