Payroll Client AccessWhat are Wisconsin's workplace employee privacy laws? Protect Your Business While Respecting Employee Privacy Rights
Wisconsin's workplace privacy laws focus primarily on personal social media accounts and employee records. Under Wisconsin Statute §995.55, employers cannot request or require employees to grant access to their personal social media accounts, though they maintain full rights to monitor company-owned devices and accounts. Wisconsin requires employers to protect confidential employee information, including medical records, social security numbers, and personnel files, and must provide employees access to their personnel records upon written request.
Workplace privacy policies must balance business security needs with employee rights. BenHR helps Wisconsin employers develop compliant monitoring practices that protect company interests while maintaining employee trust.
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Understanding Employee Privacy & Workplace Monitoring Rules
Can I monitor employee emails and internet usage in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employers have broad rights to monitor employee email and internet usage on company-owned devices and networks. As a best practice, employers should establish clear written policies informing employees that their work email and internet activity may be monitored and that they should have no expectation of privacy when using company systems. While monitoring is generally permitted, employers must still protect any confidential employee information they may encounter during monitoring activities.
What are Wisconsin's laws regarding employee social media use?
Employers maintain full rights to monitor and restrict social media use on company devices, manage company-owned accounts, and enforce social media policies regarding work-related posts. However, the law prohibits employers from requesting or requiring employees to grant access to their personal social media accounts, disclose their login information, or add employers to their personal networks.
Employee Communications Monitoring Policy Development & Implementation Consulting
Managing workplace privacy compliance requires expert guidance to protect both your business and employees. BenHR's experienced consultants develop clear, compliant monitoring policies that balance security needs with privacy rights. We help Wisconsin employers create comprehensive privacy programs that include monitoring policies, BYOD guidelines, and social media procedures tailored to your business needs.