Are employers allowed to monitor their employees’ phone calls and emails?
In Texas, employers generally have the legal right to monitor their employees’ phone calls and emails. This includes monitoring calls and emails made on company phones, as well as those sent and received through company email accounts. It also includes monitoring calls and emails made on work computers while the employee is using the company’s internet connection. Employers must have a valid reason for monitoring their employees’ calls and emails. Typically, the employer is looking for evidence of illegal activities or performance of company policy. The employer should let its employees know they are being monitored by including a notice in the employee handbook or providing a written notice. Additionally, employers should be careful to only monitor calls and emails that are related to work. It is not permissible to monitor personal conversations or emails, and should only be done when there is a legitimate reason to do so. Furthermore, employers should ensure that the monitoring does not violate any state or federal laws, such as the federal Stored Communications Act. Overall, employers in Texas have the legal right to monitor their employees’ phone calls and emails. However, employers should make sure that they are only monitoring calls and emails that are related to work and that they are not violating any laws while doing so.
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