TT&S Weekly (10/25/21)
Topic of the Week Your Rights When Working Remote
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home has become a reality for many workers across the country. Whether by choice, employer’s rule or government mandate, working remote has raised a variety of questions about employee rights and privacy outside of the office. The convenience of remote work and the vast development of technology has caused many employers to become permanently remote so it's important to know your rights.
Q: What privacy rights do I have while working from home?
A: During work hours, employers have broad rights to surveil employees, especially if they are using the employer’s equipment or network. That means employers can monitor the web pages you visit, what you type, your files and your work emails. The employer may even be able to monitor your personal emails and social media if you are on the employer’s equipment or network.
Q: Is my employer required to provide equipment for me to use if I am teleworking?
A: Federal law requires employers to reimburse workers for equipment used during telework only when the required expenses would push a worker’s earnings below minimum wage. Some states may also require employers to reimburse employees for work-from-home equipment.
Q: If I'm injured while working from home, am I still covered by worker’s compensation?
A: Yes, you are likely covered. In general, all employees’ injuries or illnesses that arise out of and in the course of employment are covered by worker’s compensation, wherever the injury occurs.
Thought of the Week
"As we’ve moved to virtual work, we haven’t just coped, we’ve actually thrived. We are more focused on the things that have the greatest impact..We are making quicker decisions and acting. Meetings are now more inclusive of people regardless of location, level or other differences."
–Suresh Kumar, Walmart CTO
Weekly Comic by Jerry King
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