Privacy Intrusion in the Workplace

Today everyone seeks for a certain amount of privacy in their ever day lives. Though we ask for it and generally demand it, are we getting it. The definition of privacy is the ability of an individual or group to keep their lives and personal affairs out of the public view, or to control the flow of information about themselves. (Wikipedia Encyclopedia, 2006). We expect this privacy at home, on the streets, and the workplace. Though how much privacy are we really getting in the workplace? Yes, the work place must monitor its employees for security purposes, but how far can they go. Intruding in the workplace has replaced the initial steps of just monitoring. 

We start with the initial steps to apply for a job and give that employer simple things about us, such as our name and where we live. Then they get more in depth and one must agree to a background check. The background check is for security reasons, but how much information can they get from that one report, how much of it can they use against you? Many employers are getting fired for not looking at the background check enough. So they hirer is now using the background check in the wrong way. (1994, Center For Public Interest Law, Aug. Employee Background Checks.) While being hired there are certain questions that they hirer is not allowed to ask. For example religious beliefs, medical history, or even a question about your credit.