This notice by the State of Connecticut (https://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/wgwkstnd/laws-regs/statute31-48d.htm)
mandates that all employers inform employees of the kinds of electronic monitoring of their activities and
communications that may be undertaken at work, and the responsibilities of an employer. Read the notice and
decide whether you think it is a reasonable policy. Would it make sense to the average worker? Do you think it
is unfair to either party?
Security versus Privacy
You manage a large, high-end jewelry store with an international clientele. Your workforce of 150 is
demographically diverse, and your employees are trustworthy as a rule. However, you have experienced some
unexplained loss of inventory and suspect a couple of employees are stealing valuable pieces, removing them
from backroom storage safes and handing them off to another person somewhere in the store who leaves with
them or to a third person pretending to be a customer. To prevent this, your assistant managers are urging you
to place discreet cameras in the restrooms and break rooms, where these exchanges are likely occurring.
Some managers might be concerned about using cameras at all due to privacy issues; others might want to
use them without notifying employees or putting up signs because they do not want to tip off the suspects or
deal with the negative reaction of the workforce (although that brings up invasion of privacy issues). You are
weighing the pros of catching the thieves against the possible loss of other employees’ trust.
Critical Thinking
1. What issues must you confront as you decide whether you will take the recommendation of your assistant
managers?
2. What, ultimately, will you do? Explain your decision.