A coworker was suddenly fired.

Anonymous

November 2,2022 at 12:50AM UTC

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A coworker was suddenly fired. She told me later that she thinks our company is listening to our MS Teams calls - either the audio and/or reading the transcript of calls. We know they monitor Slack, not because they disclose this, just word getting out.

This is maybe naive, but do any managers seriously sit around doing this …and isn’t it a compromise of employee privacy rights?

Also if she was in fact fired for something she said on a Teams call….what would the grounds for that firing actually be? No one said anything to her, they just cut off all her systems.

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AnonymousNovember 2,2022 at 3:27AM UTC
An employee has not expectation of privacy. Assume all communication is closely monitored at all times and conduct yourself professionally and honorably.
AnonymousNovember 2,2022 at 5:10AM UTC
Are you in an "at will" state? If so the employer is under no obligation to give any reason at all for termination. If you are not, then the reason for termination will be detailed in a letter if separation delivered delivered with the final check. The law is pretty specific on the wording and detail of that letter.
Please understanding that EVERYTHING communicated in writing and recorded is accessible by your employer. There is no legal right to privacy other than being filmed in a restroom stall.
Paulla Fetzek, MSEdNovember 2,2022 at 2:00PM UTC
Hello!
For the most part, anything you do on company time the company is subject to reviewing. They have this right as long as you're using company equipment and are on company time.
For example, I'm currently responding to your post - during work hours - on my company laptop. I am also an ERG advocate at my job - and this site is a strong part of my advocacy.
Honestly - as long as you're employed with a company - ANYTHING you say at ANY TIME can be considered a reflection of said company. The numerous instances of people saying things in poor taste while on vacation - only to return to having been fired from their jobs - is proof of this.