Now that remote work is permanently embedded into workforce planning strategies there is a stronger requirement for employee monitoring and data collection methods. The goal is to safeguard workforce productivity, employee well-being and effectiveness, and ensure the success of DEI initiatives. Employee data collection has significantly increased over the past two years. In juxtaposition, employees remain unclear on what data is being collected including why and how it is being used. As employee data collection increases, it is ever more important to protect employee privacy. Having an Employee Data Bill of Rights establishes clear guidelines that increases trust and transparency between employees and the organization. What is an Employee Data Bill of Rights? An employee data bill of rights is a formalized set of guidelines that establishes a standard of privacy protections embedded into policies and procedures with respect to employee data collection. It includes communicating the how, when, and why employee data is being used. The goal is the establish employee data collection that is minimal and meaningful, to be of purpose, accomplished with fairness, and fully transparent. The Impact of Remote Work In a short period of time, remote work has become an important part of workforce planning. As a result, the need for additional employee data collection is required to establish productivity guidelines (using software tools, timekeeping, or monitoring). Without providing employees guidelines to adhere to, they will not know what to expect. This provides the ability to establish and comply with compliance and build trust with the workforce. Trust and Transparency Managing the employee experience and their expectations takes full trust and transparency. Employees need to know how and why they are monitored. Their acceptance will support improved performance in business results. Employee Data Collection Laws With states like California and now Colorado and Virginia, implementing laws protecting employees has greatly expanded on protecting personal information, it is important to get ahead of laws by implementing company guidelines. More states will follow suit and the federal government will get involved to clarify the collage of state laws ad federal regulations. The Employee Experience Engaging employees as you develop and implement a company Employee Data Bill of Rights will allow for better transparency and acceptance. Managing the employee experience and their expectations takes full trust and transparency. Employees need to know how and why they are monitored. Acceptance will improve business performance and results.
The Future of Work An Employee Data Bill of Rights is first and foremost to protect the rights of employees. At the same time, it provides the company to collect meaningful data that supports business growth. Focus on only necessary information and limit the amount of data collected. What is the intent, is it necessary and for what purpose. Be transparent in communicating why. Ensure employees have the voluntary ability to ‘opt out.’ Legal counsel should be involved in reviewing biases and eliminate them. Clear and consistent transparency on the data being collected is mandatory. Have a clearly defined purpose when collecting employee data, know how the data will support business goals, and how long the data must be stored. These are all important steps leading to a robust Employee Data Collection Bill of Rights. Our Expertise MSI’s Consulting and Advisory Team supports the design and development of an Employee Data Collection Bill of Rights that align to HR, Talent, and company business goals. Our focus is helping organizations optimize and develop long range strategies for success.
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