Is HR spying on me?

93 Comments

1. KSJuly 30,2022 at 3:14AM UTC

   Best practice is to never commingle work and private electronic devices. As much as I dislike Big Brother, the fact is the corporate world has no intention of scaling back monitoring employees, let alone invest in selling data stemming from it's employees.

   I won't even use company wifi for any personal devices.

   I wish you success in your career and hope the win for you arrives!

2. AnonymousJuly 30,2022 at 3:45AM UTC

   I think you are right. Your work on the case study was flagged and you are now under examination and might possibly be written up or let go for going against company policy about use of equipment.

   Keep looking for other jobs but do not use your company laptop to do so.

3. kay JackJuly 30,2022 at 12:10PM UTC

   Great advice . Never use the current jobs equipment for a potential new job ?

4. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 30,2022 at 5:39AM UTC

   First off, you should always assume your employer could be monitoring anything you're doing on their computer. It's their computer.

   Second, you should not be using work equipment to do personal stuff, especially looking for a new job.

5. AnonymousJuly 30,2022 at 1:15PM UTC

   Don't forget that a work laptop and work cellphone (and of course desktop) are property of your employer, and at any time they have the right to take them back and do a full search of everything on them, including anything personal you have on there. I have both a work laptop and cellphone, and I have nothing personal on either of them - if they want to search them, they can look all they want. Never do or save anything on your work devices you don't want known by the entire office.

6. AnonymousJuly 30,2022 at 1:35PM UTC

   Why in the world did you not use a personal computer to do this?

7. AnonymousJuly 30,2022 at 1:53PM UTC

   You’re correct that something strange is going on here! You used your work-issue computer for a personal job search. This was arrogant on your part. You got called out by your employer, you probably violated your code of conduct, they’re restricting access to certain systems and protecting sensitive information. It will be hard to recover from this and difficult to restore trust. Please accelerate your job search so you can leave on your terms.

8. AnonymousJuly 30,2022 at 4:45PM UTC

   Agree with other comments here. Never use your work computer for personal job search or anything else personal. Internet usage gets monitored (sites visited ) this is especially important if you are preparing for job search for a competitor. Usually there are policies in place for employees not to use computer for personal use. Best to focus on your job search and get out of there as soon as you can.

9. Joanne RosenJuly 30,2022 at 5:32PM UTC

   Yes, they are monitoring you. Many companies monitor internet activities to avoid legal issues or to ensure security. It's their computer, their internet, their office, and their time being paid for by them. You shouldn't be doing it at work. PERIOD

   We constantly get clients who are even using their work email address to job hunt. We explain that, to a potential employer, if you would do that at your current job, you would do it to them as well.

   Use your time at home on your home computer.

10. Crystal HowellJuly 30,2022 at 6:33PM UTC

    Always use your personal phone or home computer, never your work computer as they have access to it and will keep it.

11. Looking for a changeJuly 30,2022 at 6:45PM UTC

    Like everyone else I agree never ever ever use company company computer/phone/email for anything personal especially job search. They might be able to fire you for using company property for personal reasons but even if they can’t they definitely know you are looking. I highly recommend you speed up your job search off company property

12. AnonymousJuly 31,2022 at 6:50PM UTC

    At a minimum, any computer issued by an employer, to include cells, you should expect to be monitored. At a minimum an employer can monitor your computer device just for the sake of confirming you are not exceeding your break time and ensuring your time sheets closely align up with your log in and log off time. Always air on the side of caution. Dont do anything on your company computer, you wouldnt do in front of your boss. That includes using company time to apply for jobs.

13. Barb HansenJuly 31,2022 at 8:12PM UTC

    The examples you provided don't seem sus to me when taken as individual events.

    But that being said, one shouldn't be using a company-provided laptop for anything other than work, but since you used your work laptop to complete a case study, there's not much you can do. You'll have to let the cards fall where they may.

    Of course, every company knows that employees are occasionally looking for their next job, so I wouldn't worry too much

14. AnonymousJuly 31,2022 at 9:50PM UTC

    Be prepared to be let go.

    Lesson learned.

15. JJJuly 31,2022 at 10:09PM UTC

    Yep, something strange is happening.

16. Patricia ManroeJuly 31,2022 at 11:16PM UTC

    Unfortunately, a lot of companies use surveillance/monitoring software on the worker's computers. Check your company's policies on this. Whether they can or won't do this. As it's the company's computer technically they can do this. I know in the technology field they do this a lot. If for nothing else to monitor how much time you are actually working.

17. Sue BaktisAugust 1,2022 at 12:22PM UTC

    You should always assume that your work applications and laptop/desktop are monitored.

18. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 12:30PM UTC

    I search for jobs and purposely store my resume on work PC to keep them guessing ;-)

    However looks like your org is preparing for u to jump ship. Maybe you should inquire directly and possibly spin this into a negotiation opportunity.

    Heed lessons learned for future reference

19. Bradford McCormickAugust 1,2022 at 12:30PM UTC

    As a 50 year veteran of computer wars, I am cynical. I always assume my emloyer is monitoring every key stroke I enter on the computer i am using to do my job. It is entirely legal as far as I know, and as it says in the bible: "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works" (Matt 5:16). If you don't want anybody to find it out don't put it out for them to find.

    For business secrets your company should be able to provide you with comprehensive gudelines to follow to the letter.

    Now, to end here: Hello, NSA and FSB and maybe my wife's private detective! Are you ahving fun reading what I am typing here?

20. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 12:30PM UTC

    Always assume you’re being monitored. It’s their company property. If you must do personal stuff at work, bring a laptop from home and use that. As to the other stuff, just be prepared to lose your job. Start looking for other employment because what’s going on is shady.

21. Ally MorganAugust 1,2022 at 12:34PM UTC

    Why in the WORLD would you ever use your work computer to get a job some place else? Not only is that a bad idea for many other reasons, I kind of find it to be unethical also. They pay you and provide a computer to you to work. Look for another job on your own time using your own resources.

22. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 12:36PM UTC

    Never assume privacy when using company-issued equipment - laptops, tablets, phones, etc. That's pretty common knowledge. You give up the right to privacy if using their equipment. I have seen documents hundreds of pages long in an employee file (documenting their use of porn sites), 20+ years ago I was reprimanded for spending too much time surfing the web, I've instructed IT to monitor an outgoing employee's activities on their computer because of their position and the potential damage they could do to the company.

    If you haven't done so already, invest in a personal laptop, keep it at home, do you personal business on there - to include updating your resume and communicating with potential employers.

    Bottom line, you screwed up - and they are being proactive in preparing for your departure.

23. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netAugust 1,2022 at 12:47PM UTC

    You should never use a company laptop to search for a new job on company time or on your own time. A good way to get fired.

24. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 12:49PM UTC

    This is from someone in IT - A lot of companies have programs to know if you are downloading files onto a thumb drive and will mark things as suspicious very quickly.
    Same holds true, if you start deleting a large number of files. They do have monitoring systems in place to see what sites are visited and how often. They also have programs that monitoring for key words in emails. I know of someone who had emails with offensive jokes in them and they were brought in and counseled by HR.

    The key here is your computer is Company Property. You most likely have signed some document about it use and your rights as well as the companies rights.

    I would say that your company is about to make some changes and it just happened to coincide with your case study. They may have had a reason prior to this but most likely not. I would still have a frank discussion with my boss about what is happening and see what is said. I would also on my personal computer start a full fledged search for a new position. It sounds like they are downgrading your position.

25. Diane J HuffAugust 1,2022 at 2:00PM UTC

    Agree. I'm in IT too, and I've been told many times to "monitor" a user's computer, download all their files and set up their email on a legal hold so nothing can be downloaded or deleted. This is the first step always.

26. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 12:54PM UTC

    Never a good idea to do any personal work on your firm laptop! IT does keep tabs and everything leaves a trace. So if you are looking at other opportunities, email recruiters--use your personal laptop. If you are working remotely (a few days a week) take advantage of that freedom--you can easily use your laptop for Zoom calls, corresponding and researching opportunities on LinkedIn. I also don't sign into any other Zoom calls, for marketing studies through my firm laptop. Yes, HR is always "spying" and they work closely with IT to monitor all communications.

27. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 12:59PM UTC

    Agree you should not use your company's equipment to look for a new job and you should always assume you are monitored as it is their equipment and they are paying you to do a job (they are not paying you to look for a new one, or do personal tasks). However, I'm even more concerned that your manager is sharing her login credentials. I've fired people for that. The reason for login credentials are many - segregation of duties to prevent fraud, to know who did what transaction on system in case they need to audit or backtrace, etc. You should not be comfortable using someone else's credentials and should ask for your own. What if your manager did something nefarious and then said you did it because you have her credentials? It is much to protect you as to protect the company. Ask her to change her password and get your own access.

28. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 1:00PM UTC

    You should expect the company you work for to keep tabs on your work on their computer! Of course, they monitor your work. Why would you think otherwise? Only company work should be done on a company computer!!

29. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 1:03PM UTC

    Now with the ongoing pandemic, and with most of us working remotely - at least 1-2 days a week, why would you use your company laptop? Even if you don't have a personal one--invest and buy a laptop to use for your job search. Prior to this pandemic, when we were ALL in the office 35+ hours a week, I can kind of understand the need to connect with recruiters--but even then, it's a huge bold move that can end with your termination. But now that most of us have more free time (flexibility) working remotely--use your own laptop for such matters. Today, it's so much more easier to find other work options due to remote working structure.

30. Steve FlormanAugust 1,2022 at 1:07PM UTC

    Too late for this time - but never, ever, ever use your work laptop to prepare anything for a potential new position.

31. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 1:16PM UTC

    Very true.

32. Heather BinghamAugust 1,2022 at 1:09PM UTC

    Honestly, the organisation is completely within its rights to "snoop" on a machine and account that they are paying for. What they do with any information they glean is something else - it isn't to be broadcast willy nilly - but it doesn't sound yet like they have done anything wrong.

    Going forward, the first thing to do is to see if you can have a separate account, such as a Google account, on your work laptop. Then you can sign out of work and still use your laptop for personal matters. If this isn't possible, I actually encourage people to have a separate laptop if at all possible for home, as it helps our work/life balance to leave our work machine shut once we've "clocked off". So you have probably goofed, and your organisation hasn't, but you know how to remedy it from hereon.

33. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 1:11PM UTC

    I think the obvious has already been stated by everyone else: don’t use company equipment for job searching. I super hope your other prospect is panning out though.

    But since you have used company laptop to produce a case study and there’s suspicious activity now, this is how I’d handle it:

    1) hopefully you’ve replied to your manager saying something like you had her login that time she gave it to you but you haven’t used it since. Mind if she changes her password because you don’t want to/intend to have or use her login?

    2) At this point, have to resume as normal as possible. If you need access to some work systems, play dumb and see if you can access again to proceed with work.

    3) If things aren’t panning out with your other prospect, apply/job search to others on your own computer at home.

    Hopefully good changes come your way.

34. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 1:11PM UTC

    If it's a company issued computer, it is being monitored. Your internet usage and email is definitely being snooped on, if you're on a company issued computer or on the company network. Don't do anything on your work computer that you don't want other people at work knowing about. Don't ever access your personal email or social media DMs from a work computer, either.

35. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 2:32PM UTC

    Came here to say that. Never use your work computer for personal stuff.

    even if it’s not HR, expect the infra people to be able to see access patterns and data generated from tracking software.

    just separate your work and personal computer access.

36. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 1:18PM UTC

    I would certainly say that HR is spying on your computer usage. Next time you have a job, don't ever use your work computer to do your own personal work on it. Instead, use your own computer to do so.

37. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 1:26PM UTC

    You asked what you should do? My first piece of advice is to stop using work time to prepare interview materials for another job.

38. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 1:45PM UTC

    Honestly everyone’s work laptop or desktop is monitored you should expect that, it is their system they probably search for certain keywords and red flags .

    If you want to keep things private you must use your own computer and system there is no expectation of privacy on work systems .

    Hinestly I don’t know if there is really anything you can do .

39. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 1:49PM UTC

    HR here - I’ve never seen an HR department have enough time to devote to “spying” on a computer. If anything, you were flagged and IT may be using software that can monitor your activity. I’ve never worked for a company that would have HR do this at all. If you do work for a company that has an HR department that has enough time and resources to do this, then your HR department has too much time on their hands.

    But also, don’t use work equipment loaned to you to look for another job. That should be common sense. And if you were flagged for this, I sure hope something pans out, because your current company is now fully aware that you’re halfway out the door anyhow. So I kind of feel like this one was your own doing, and I’m not sure how to answer your question as to what to do. You were in the wrong, and there isn’t really any walking this back.

40. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 1:52PM UTC

    Basically what everyone has said is true. They watch everything we do. It's creepy and a part of surveillance culture and some warped notion of productivity. Is the computer company property sure, but workers are also resources...and I don't want to be extracted from without adequate return..so if I need to multitask and pay a bill or do homework on the computer after work or during my breaks, I should have that right. This is especially true of low wage workers with poor internet service. As long as I'm doing the required tasks of my job and not doing anything illegal then it really shouldn't be frowned upon especially if it's something for school. Like the degree I'm working on will benefit the workplace...

    Anyway, I've started bringing my laptop to work and now I switch over to it when I want to do something for myself.

41. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 2:25PM UTC

    School work from work computer is okay if work knows you are in school. It isn’t “creepy” or part of a surveillance culture or some warped notion of productivity that employers consistently monitor what people are doing on company computers. It is called due diligence on the part of the employer. Too many employees do illegal things on work computers during company hours. That reflects poorly on the company. Employers have the right to monitor and know what is happening with their resources, especially during work hours.

    It is naive for employees to not assume what they do on line with company equipment is not being monitored.

42. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 10:50PM UTC

    No it's creepy. The whole world is obsessed with monitoring stuff...cameras on the street, cameras on everyone's house cameras at work, and the highly visible like people of color are probably targeted the most by "workplace" security. I think it's awful. What is it you think I'm doing...I mean am I supposed to chain myself to the laptop and just stare at the screen? I can do my job in two to 4 hours. They force me to stay eight hours. Why does it matter what else I do..I showed up and did the tasks they wanted. And frankly I don't care if it's monitored, but I shouldn't be fired for trying to better myself and learn stuff I can apply to their job. I'm not a slave. They use my body, my brain, my time so why can't I use their computer?

43. Kat KarpinskiAugust 2,2022 at 12:57PM UTC

    I direct you to the new Apple TV show called Severance. Creepy indeed! I could almost believe it's coming to that...

44. Joanna PoeAugust 1,2022 at 2:00PM UTC

    What you do is never use your work laptop for anything but work, ever again. Even at a job you love and trust, assume you are never not being watched.

45. Afo Ogbeyalu KaluAugust 1,2022 at 2:01PM UTC

    I agree with the information and advice shared by the others in this thread. I'm just wondering about the actual case study you created . . . . Did it involve the use of any company generated data/analytics/proprietary information? If so, that may have initiated "the flag" and you may want to research ways to protect yourself, or get professional guidance with this matter. Best of luck!

46. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 2:14PM UTC

    I have a better one…. At the company I just quit, I am 99.9% sure they bugged our phones and offices. I worked for a small wealth management firm of about 30 employees. Half were client facing financial advisors and the other half are behind the scenes (HR, Finance, Marketing). I was part of the latter. If you were anyone but an advisor you had to tell an admin that you had to leave for an appt, how long you would be out (all normal), and when you planned to make up the time. Then when you made up the time, which could not be during lunch, you had to email the admin back and say you made it up. This was so crazy to me, that one day I had a conversation in my office with a coworker saying I have never had to deal with this before in my 30+ career. The very next day the president of the company calls me up and tells me “by the way having to report your hours is not for people at your level you don’t need to worry about it.” I asked my coworker if she said anything and she was like no way.

    My second indication, was right as I was leaving. I was talking with my husband on my company phone about the benefits at my new company and when would be the best time for me to give my two weeks notice to have really great coverage between the two. I was going to formally quit on The following Monday morning. The next morning before I could even set my stuff down, HR and my boss walked to me and said you are fired. They had no valid excuse for why they were firing me (stating something about not being a good fit after 2 years of working for them) and of course I didn’t ask since I was planning on leaving anyways. They fired me on that day in particular so I would not get my final bonus check. If I quite when I wanted to, I would have. The only way they could’ve known I was leaving was by eavesdropping on the conversation with my husband about when my last day would be. I hated not saying good bye to some people, but am really glad I am out of that toxic environment.

47. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 2:28PM UTC

    theres nothing really strange about this. security cameras with sound are very common. never talk sh*t inside the building. ;)

48. MidwestMaven456August 1,2022 at 3:35PM UTC

    Not only do security cameras have sound, but you never know who is nearby. No matter how quiet you think you are, anyone could have heard you and tattled to get bonus points with their boss.

49. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 2:18PM UTC

    Rule of thumb: Unless you are being laid off or your position is being eliminated and the company tells you that: NEVER look for a new job from work computer. That goes for shopping, checking bank statements, paying bills. Find a new job and let this be a lesson. Always expect that your employer will be checking to see what people are doing on their work computers.

    If I need to do anything personal on a computer during work hours, I carry my ipad or personal laptop.

50. Shelby CAugust 1,2022 at 2:40PM UTC

    HR POV Here:

    Yes, we "snoop" on you. It is our machine and the work product you produce is ours. If you are going to use it for personal use, you open yourself up to scrutiny. You are also using company resources for your own gain which is in direct violation of the Employee Handbook and we can terminate you for that offense.

    Back to me:

    I have had that ^^^ conversation too many times to count. People don't realize that what they do on company machines - even in their off time - is recorded by keystroke loggers. I have had to terminate people and/or revoke security clearances due to web browsing history and emails.

51. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 3:00PM UTC

    All personal work or internet surfing that you want to keep private should be done on your personal computer. Keep the two parts of your online life separate. Companies have the right to check their computers and what is happening on them.

52. Kristina MartinAugust 1,2022 at 3:07PM UTC

    Every year my employer sends out computer guidelines. It is very clear in the guidelines that they own the computer and have the right to monitor.

    it even states we can be terminated using our computer for things outside of work.

    Do you know if your company has guidelines?

53. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 3:10PM UTC

    As many have touched on.
    I am not sure if HR or IT is “spying” on you but when using company equipment and on company licensing and software, it is legal for them to investigate information and it is not personal or against your privacy rights. While typically there needs to be just cause like information was leaked and they need to find the person responsible company’s can and have the right to keep tabs. In your case, depending on certain aspects of your offer letter if you have non compete or confidential agreement, working on your case study may be in violation.

54. Chrissy Regan SmytheAugust 1,2022 at 3:26PM UTC

    Never use your work computer for personal things. You do not have a right to privacy on a computer you do not own. Companies do not need “just cause” to search any equipment they own. Nothing strange is going on. Depending on their security, this could have been picked up by an algorithm and looked into or the company has someone who monitors emails. You also admit you were going to login somewhere that was blocked off to you by using another person’s credentials. Seems innocent enough, right? It’s not. You should have asked your boss why you were blocked instead of using other credentials to login. You were wrong. You got caught. Own it.

55. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 3:52PM UTC

    As others said it's not a good idea to use a company issued laptop for personal things because more than likely they have tracking or monitoring software. The couple of days a week that I'm in the office I use my smartphone if I need to do some quick personal surfing, answer personal emails, etc., otherwise I leave the rest for my personal laptop at home.

56. MidwestMaven456August 1,2022 at 3:58PM UTC

    Two very important things. One is that you broke the cardinal rule. You NEVER do personal work on a work computer, ESPECIALLY look for a new job. Keystrokes is just one way to find out what you did.

    Two is simply, yes, your PC is being monitored, and they told you this when you were hired. Remember all those papers you just signed in a flurry because you were thrilled you had a job? They also send out updates every year on policy and no one reads them.

    Someone's job is much more than to make sure you are actually working. The small things they look for are you not updating your Facebook or looking for a new job. Things like badmouthing your company, threats to people or groups, porn and questionable websites are now common things to be monitored.

    Be it called clues, symptoms or warning signs, companies do not want to be held responsible for crazy behavior. FYI, that includes your public postings on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter etc. Once you put it out there, you can't claim it was private.

57. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 4:22PM UTC

    Cyber security professional here: yes they can see everything you do, everything you install and every website you go to. You are lucky they haven't fired you yet, cutting off access is the first step in clearing out an employee and very likely you have been flagged for "look for a reason to get rid of this person." Never never never do anything on your work computer you wouldn't want the whole world seeing. Maybe your boss isn't out to get you but you lost a huge amount of institutional trust and I doubt you are going to get it back. Next job don't do this.

58. AnneAugust 2,2022 at 12:29AM UTC

    Thank you for this good info!

59. AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 12:33AM UTC

    Why though?

    Fired for what exactly? Breaking a rule of surfing on the internet. She didn't sell company secrets or look at pornography. What kind of weird workplace fires people for getting on the internet? Even to apply for a new job...I mean the employment life cycle only ends a couple of ways..fired, resigned, died, retired...Thats ridiculous to fire people for silly stuff just because the cyber police said so. No wonder there's a great resignation...can't fill positions because folks are too busy flagging people. Oh they bought a book!! Fire them. They paid their light bill. Fire them they made a doctors appointment. Fire them. Where's the humanity in that?

    As long as my employees did their jobs accurately and didn't swindle or abuse people, I wouldn't care about them being on the internet or what they did during down time. Is their work done? Yep. Okay case closed. Now if they surfed and ignored a customer then that's a problem but otherwise I don't care. And who is watching the cybersecurity people since they can probably do whatever they want and cover it up. Or just go after people they don't like.

60. AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 9:59PM UTC

    It's a common part of the contract you sign that you don't use company assets for non work related tasks and yes looking for another job using company assets (and I suspect the job the op was looking for was in the same field which is tantamount to being a company secrets exposure risk) is a fireable offense even in non right to work states.

    The fact is she used a machine with access to critical information to talk to another company without her main companies approval. All actions including access and changes made by cyber security are logged and often are audited by multiple people. A cyber security professional who goes after someone internally is subject to the same set of oversite as everyone else only often more and often the actions are regulated. Companies are allowed to set their own guidelines for acceptable use policies. Op wasn't just "surfing" she was engaging in legally liable activities. Things you should never do on a work computer: interview for another company, watch porn, let your kid use your work computer, start a social media flame war, anything ehete the communication you are doing you wouldn't want the whole world to see. If a company can fire you for having naked pics on the internet (tldr that's perfectly in the rights of a company) they can fire you for using company assets to talk to competition about another job

61. AnonymousAugust 5,2022 at 4:34PM UTC

    Well most employment is at will so yeah technically they can fire anyone for just about anything. That being said, this makes going into business for yourself even more appealing. It's probably really hard, but at least you're free and you can make your own rules to an extent (still have to follow laws of city, state, feds which is fine.).

62. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 4:25PM UTC

    I agree with those who stated previously 1. Do not use work computers for personal business. 2. Do not have any conversation inside the building that you aren't ok with your boss listening in on. I've been at my current workplace thru an ownership change. All offices and the lunchroom were bugged for sound under prior owners. Not sure about video. All calls were SECRETLY recorded under prior owners. Prior owners monitored all of these constantly...they didn't miss a word. And yes, our computers were monitored, too. I don't know if new owners make use of any of the bugging or recorded calls. I'm so careful now that it doesnt matter. New owners are not secretive about calls being recorded so that's nice. Good people, non toxic.

63. SANDRA MICHELSENAugust 1,2022 at 8:36PM UTC

    Totally illegal on the recording!

64. AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 12:04AM UTC

    Not illegal check the local laws. IE Colorado as long s 1 party being recorded consents then all is looked therefore if party a and party b are conversing via phone and party a is recording the call this is completely legal

65. AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 3:48AM UTC

    Thank you for the comment.
    I just checked and this is a two party consent state. So you are correct, it was illegal.

66. AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 12:52AM UTC

    Sometimes I say stuff that's a lie just to eff with them if they are recording.

    I even say stuff like enjoy your recording or sing songs. If they're going to treat me like a suspect, then they can listen to me make weird sounds or fart. What are they going to do..say we recorded you farting?

67. Heather E. MillerAugust 1,2022 at 6:20PM UTC

    Unfortunately, work computers are property of the business for which you work. Most, if not all, businesses these days have them strictly monitored. Since you've had access restrictions placed upon you, I would discuss it with your manager to clear the air, especially if you wish to stay in your position. When trust is lost, it's very difficult to get back and coming clean is the first step to reestablishing it.

68. AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 12:49AM UTC

    It might not be the boss who cares though.
    Could be some other nosy department butting their regulations all over the place. Why do workers put up with this? Move on to a less restrictive and paranoid company.

69. Heather E. MillerAugust 5,2022 at 2:23AM UTC

    It's not about paranoia. In a past career, I worked in IT and it's mostly about keeping company property safe from malware, viruses, hackers, and theft of proprietary information. This theft can come from outside sources through improper use of company equipment by employees, whether it's intentional or not. It's just a fact of life these days and it makes employees feel like they're not trusted or being spied on. It's a truly unfortunate situation.

70. Kerry RoperAugust 1,2022 at 8:45PM UTC

    Why would you think this was "strange"?

    I was working for a very small company (5-10 employees) and while it seemed sad, the owner suffered from severe lack of sleep, bc he spent every night at the office falling asleep at his desk while reviewing the video and audio recordings of everyone else's day, on job sites and in the office. That place had atrocious turnover. I started seeking new employment ON the company's equipment just to prove to another employee that he would spot it, and he did, and he let me go. Hallelujah, bc that guy was never going to listen to reason or honestly look at himself and his motivations, as to why his family's business was failing.
    What do you do? Never use company computers to look for a new job. Never talk dirt about the owners or upper mgmt in the office. Never do anything bad -ever, anywhere!! Welcome to idiocracy.

71. AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 12:32AM UTC

    Don’t use your work laptop for non work related purposes.

72. AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 1:06AM UTC

    The flip side of this is if I can't use the company computer, then the company should never call or text me on my phone.
    Buy and pay for a company cell phone. Why should I allow the company to use my resources if I can't use theirs? Don't ask me questions, don't text me. Next time they do, I should say Im sorry, but this is my cell phone and I can't do company business on it. It violates my personal policy.

73. KristyAugust 2,2022 at 1:06PM UTC

    If the company policy states you are not allowed to use company provided equipment for personal tasks, then doing so would be violating that policy. That policy was in place when the job was accepted so there should be no reason to expect anything different. If someone feels they should not have to use their phone for work, that's something to negotiate when accepting the position. My company is 100% remote and we reimburse cell/internet costs but if that benefit isn't offered it should be negotiated at the time of hire.

74. Natalie LumbyAugust 2,2022 at 1:15PM UTC

    They should not be using your personal phone to contact you for business purposes. You should either have a company provided desk phone, or company provided cell phone if remote

75. AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 9:09PM UTC

    You are not obligated to use your personal phone for work unless your employer reimburses you. We have had many employees decline to provide their cell numbers and stated if you want to contact me by phone, you need to provide me with a work phone. THAT was a fun couple of months. But true, I have quite a few friends who have work phone and personal phone and never the two shall cross.

    Keep in mind that if you use your personal cell phone and your employer pays the bill, your employer is entitled to request your phone records. Technically they are paying for the phone …..

76. AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 2:05AM UTC

    Companies are authorized to look through employees work computers/messages.

    My company monitors internet usage to make sure the amount that isn’t work related isn’t too high

77. Rosa GoesAugust 2,2022 at 4:31AM UTC

    I agree with others, this is a big no-no. Most companies have policies in place that explicitly state the use of computers provided by the company. If you are in an "at-will" state, they can fire you anytime with no reason.

78. Tomilyn RichardsAugust 2,2022 at 11:17AM UTC

    I think it is rare that specific "HR Spying" happens. But I do think that strong IT groups monitor work computers on the regular for suspicious activity. This is very common and I would not recommend doing personal business on a work computer that you are not wanting the company to see.

79. Rose BushAugust 2,2022 at 1:30PM UTC

    Yes, HR has IT monitor employee computers. Suspicious activity and to make sure employee is actually working.

80. AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 3:09PM UTC

    IT is responsible for the Company’s data security.
    Unless part of an investigation into violation of Company policy, HR does not direct IT to monitor or review suspicious activity. It’s IT’s responsibility to the Company, period.
    If you feel you are being monitored and you’ve had access revoked, talk to your boss or HR.
    However, you most likely did violate Company policy by using Company resources for personal gain, and there are consequences for that decision, including an investigation into your activities and potentially termination of employment. Your boss may have some trouble too as sharing passwords is most likely a violation of policy as well.
    I hope you use this experience/mistake to learn from, whether in your current or future roles. And for your own sake, read the Employee Handbook so you know what is allowed and what is not.

81. Rose BushAugust 3,2022 at 3:00PM UTC

    Oh HR gets there noses i to everything.

82. AnonymousAugust 3,2022 at 6:14PM UTC

    I can assure you, HR is juggling many different things and does not have time to simply “spy” on employees.
    IT may be using software that can flag suspicious use, and that may trigger a response from HR if it’s brought to HR’s attention, but no one in the HR department is sitting there looking through anything unwarranted. I don’t understand this mentality at all.

83. Rose BushAugust 4,2022 at 7:49PM UTC

    Yes, enough said. ??

84. AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 12:24PM UTC

    You should avoid using your work equipment for personal activities, especially preparing for an external interview.

85. Tiana MumfordAugust 2,2022 at 12:48PM UTC

    Good day,

    I would definitely refrain from using work email unless it is work related . Also never accept others login information or accounts unless you have it in writing or it’s policy . If you do have it in an email transfer all information to your personal email . I would not trust it . It sounds like they are gathering data on you , you may want to look for a new job . Blessings

86. Nick KossovanAugust 2,2022 at 1:49PM UTC

    You used your work laptop, which isn't your property, but your employer's, for purposes other than work and now you're surprised you're being monitored????

    Now you do the following:

    (a) STOP using your laptop/work email for anything other than your work.

    (b) Keep your head low and produce the best work you have ever produced and hope this blows over.

    (c) Pray you get the job you were headhunted for.

87. TimAugust 2,2022 at 5:39PM UTC

    Wow!
    Why would you use your work computer for these things??

    It is common place for the 21st century to have team based technologies, with notifications. What you are doing is kind of like spying, too. You're snooping in accounts and folders that aren't relevant to your normal work?

    The action you should do is stop, and pray that you're not penalized for doing things that they don't pay you to do.

88. Kerry RoperAugust 2,2022 at 6:05PM UTC

    This OP is most likely already let go. An update would be nice. But it is also possible that a bot wrote that post anyways.

89. Kerry RoperAugust 2,2022 at 6:12PM UTC

    After thinking about this subject, I wonder out loud, what position is that person who sits and listens to and watches video of coworkers or employees for hours at a time? When does their actual work day function happen??

90. AnonymousAugust 5,2022 at 6:10PM UTC

    I doubt someone is listening/watching hours of video. More like there are key words/phrases that will ping IT to let them know something inappropriate for work is being accessed. Sometimes we look for something on line and get an unintended result. If you click right off it then no harm no foul.

    When the internet was still new, it was January, snow where we are. Friend was taking tropical vacation and needed flip flops, so she googled them. OMG the things that came up before shoes......

    I also had to fire someone for watching porn in his office during the work day. He didn't understand why that was wrong......

91. Kelly McColemanAugust 2,2022 at 7:55PM UTC

    Your work email, laptop, phone are NOT yours. Most companies have software built in to scan for nefarious things. This obviously was flagged.

92. Patricia ManroeAugust 3,2022 at 5:43AM UTC

    I would never use a work computer for personal reasons. The company has the right to monitor your work. So they probably are monitoring you.

93. Valerie RiegerAugust 8,2022 at 12:38PM UTC

    Your activities were flagged because they probably violated a company rule.
    Most companies have policies about the appropriate use of company owned resources. I would say that using company resources as part of your job application process would be an inappropriate use of resources.

    Also, keep in mind using company information to prepare your case study may also violate your company's intellectual property policies.