The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data has issued guidelines on monitoring and personal data privacy at work. The guidelines aim to promote the protection of personal data privacy of employees where employee monitoring are carried out at work.

Commissioner Raymond Tang said the guidelines, which were gazetted today, offer a practical approach to balance the employers' legitimate business interests and employees' personal data privacy rights.

"There is no intention to pass moral judgment on whether employee monitoring should, or should not, be resorted to in the process of effectively managing the assets, resources and affairs of the employer.

Monitoring decision rests with employers

"Our view is that the decision rests with the employer although it is one that may warrant consultation with employees."

The guidelines adopt a 3As and 3Cs approach. The 3A approach advises employers on how to take step to Assess the appropriateness of employee monitoring; consider Alternatives to employee monitoring; and recognise their Accountability over employees' personal data privacy.

The 3Cs approach provides practical steps for employers to ensure Clarity in the promulgation of employee monitoring policies; Communicate the privacy policy to employees properly, and Control over the holding, processing and use of monitoring records.

"The guidelines have established recommended standards of personal data management in the context of employee monitoring. I strongly recommend employers who undertake, or may undertake, employee monitoring activities to follow these guidelines," Mr Tang says.

For details of the guidelines, visit the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data's website.