Can My Employer Do That? Common Workplace Questions Answered
Navigating the complexities of employment law can often leave both employers and employees with a multitude of questions. From understanding workplace policies to deciphering employee rights, it’s not uncommon for individuals to wonder what is permissible in the employment realm. Can an employer ask for personal social media passwords? Is it legal to monitor employee emails? Am I required to work overtime without pay? In this blog post, we’ll tackle some of the most frequently asked questions regarding what employers can and cannot do in the workplace.
I Wasn’t Notified of My Termination of Employment In Writing. Can My Employer Do That?
It can feel quite unjust that an employer can terminate your employment without providing written notice or an explanation for the decision. Unfortunately, under at-will employment laws, employers are not required to do either. This means you can be dismissed for almost any reason—unless it falls under discriminatory practices—and they aren’t obliged to communicate that reason, either verbally or in writing. As a result, the absence of a written termination notice or a rationale for the decision does not typically provide grounds for a legal claim.
I Was Never Given a Job Description. Can My Employer Do That?
This is another situation where of course best practices would say that an employer should provide all of their employees with a written description of the expectations and requirements of a particular job. But the law does not require any job description to be provided to an employee and even gives employers the right to change job duties and expectations of their employees on a whim.
However, modifying job duties and expectations for employees can sometimes be a form of retaliation, especially if such changes occur following a complaint or concern raised by the employee. When an employer alters the scope of an individual’s role or imposes new, more challenging standards shortly after an employee has complained of unlawful harassment or discrimination, that can provide grounds for a legal claim.
My Employer Is Favoring Family and Friends Over Me. Can They Do That?
We often hear that an employer is favoring family and friends who work for the company. This might mean that family and friends are disciplined differently, given better shifts or positions, or promoted more frequently. Simply put, the law does not forbid nepotism. While in a perfect world, employers would be required to treat all employees on a level playing field, the unfortunate reality is that at-will employment also means that employers can play favorites as long as they are not taking into account one of the protected classes like race, gender, age, national origin, disability, or religion.
Can My Employer Read My Personal Emails?
In Ohio, as in many states in the U.S., employers generally have the right to monitor employee emails, particularly if the emails are sent through company email accounts or systems. Most companies own the email accounts they provide to employees, which gives them the legal right to monitor communications sent through those accounts. If you need to reach out to an attorney, be sure to do so from a private email account.
Understanding the boundaries of permissible employment practices can empower individuals to advocate for themselves more effectively. If you still have questions or concerns about your specific situation, it’s essential to seek legal advice or consult with an local employment law expert to ensure that your rights are protected. Ultimately, awareness and education are key to navigating the complex realm of employment law. Contact us today!