Hidden cameras in the workplace...

[Deleted]

How would you feel if you found out you were being watched? I mean in a normal office environment not a top security job, retail or anything where it is expected.

A year after working where I do I found out my boss (who soley owns the office building) has them In the building & personally monitors them. I glanced in his office & saw the multiple views up. Not sure he meant for me to see them. I am sure he monitors them remotely. They are very hidden as I know where a few are & stillcant see them. I am fairly creeped out but on the other hand I see why he has at least some of them (he lives in on the top floor of the building). WDYT?

[vanillacourage]

Does he have them up where employees should have a reasonable expectation of privacy, and/or have you ever signed anything saying you understand you could be monitored on company grounds?

We allegedly have cameras around - I don't care as long as they're not able to see me in my office when I close my door.

[Deleted]

I would be irritated but what can you/I actually do about it as an employee? Nothing I suspect. If you are asking if I would quit it would depend on how much I actually liked the job before I found out. If I was on the fence about it at all this would push me over the fence.

[tripleshot]

We have cameras all over my office building, but they're not hidden and everyone knows about them.

In your situation, I'd honestly be sort of weirded out. Why are they hidden? Is your boss trying to catch something on video?

[Kore]

If I'd been notified that they were in place, I wouldn't care. But if they just installed them & didn't tell anybody, I would be really upset. I don't need for people to see me scratching my ass when I think I'm out of view.

[Deleted]

Sept 18, 2012 12:05:51 GMT -5 Kore said:

If I'd been notified that they were in place, I wouldn't care. But if they just installed them & didn't tell anybody, I would be really upset. I don't need for people to see me scratching my ass when I think I'm out of view.

or digging my nose

[morningmania]

I guess if I didn't know they were there, and it was "in" my office I might not appreciate that. Hallways and public areas are acceptible to me. Bathrooms and personal offices are unacceptable to me.

[Deleted]

I'd be irritated if it monitored me while sitting at my desk, but in common areas, I wouldn't care.

[dr.girlfriend]

For public areas like hallways, waiting rooms, etc., I wouldn't worry. In my office? I'd pitch a fit, I pumped in here.

[Deleted]

I am pissed & was never told. I know they are in the elevator & lobby from my quick glance but there were at least 10 others I didn't have time to pinpoint where they are located. Funny thing is that 6mo ago it occurred to me that he could be a complete perve & have cameras everywhere (including bathroom) & no one would know since he's completely in control (& he loves hi tech stuff). I even mentioned this to my DH. I about fell over when I saw it up on him monitor.

[tripleshot]

Is there a law about this? I'd be nervous he put them in my office and bathroom. Why does he need a camera in the elevator?

[cjeanette]

Sept 18, 2012 12:14:57 GMT -5 @gypsy said:

But I assume they are everywhere, anyways.

I hear if you wear a tinfoil hat you go invisible on camera ;D

[marynjoe]

Isn't there some kind of device that you can buy that detects hidden cameras and recording equipment? If I'm that skeeved out, I think I'd look into that.

[mollz007]

Sept 18, 2012 12:14:57 GMT -5 @gypsy said:

very upset.

But I assume they are everywhere, anyways.

big brother is watching

[mollz007]

Sept 18, 2012 12:22:36 GMT -5 cjeanette said:

Sept 18, 2012 12:14:57 GMT -5 @gypsy said:

But I assume they are everywhere, anyways.

I hear if you wear a tinfoil hat you go invisible on camera ;D

:Y:

[Melissa W.]

In the siutation you described, I would be bothered by it but I don't know what I would do. We have cameras everywhere so I am used to it. I actually didn't realize there was one in the hallway and used to routinely adjust my pantyhose there. Hope you liked the show boys!

[pamela]

In the bathroom stall is the only place I would expect any sort of privacy at work (or in something like a locker room, mother's room, etc). Not even in a personal office because I shouldn't be doing anything in there that is private from my employer (unless that's the agreement I'd pump there instead of a separate room).

[vanillacourage]

Sept 18, 2012 12:57:41 GMT -5 pamela said:

Not even in a personal office because I shouldn't be doing anything in there that is private from my employer (unless that's the agreement I'd pump there instead of a separate room).

Unless you're given a warning that you are being videotaped in your office, you should absolutely be able to adjust clothing or just pick your nose in your office if you have a door that is able to be closed. This is not like how your employer provides your computer so they control what you do with it - you have a reasonable expectation of privacy behind a closed office door, even if your boss provides that door for you to close.

[smiley]

The situation you mentioned would bother me. I would not like being watched without knowing about it and for your boss to keep it a secret is one thing. I also don't like the fact that you can't see the cameras throughout the building. I understand them being secretive but if you know an area where there is one and you still can't find it that is an issue. Are you going to discuss this with your boss?

[chessie]

I work for a company one of their side companies is for high security cameras. There are cameras everywhere to make sure things stay secure. There are signs everywhere though that you are being watched. You might not see them, but they are around. There is no privacy in the office other then the bathroom.

[moolarkey]

This is a retail setting so not unexpected. I read yesterday of a convenience store clerk, short-time on the job (maybe 5 months or so), they noticed lottery ticket sales REALLY spiked when she worked. Asked her about it, she said she had guys come in to flirt with her and they bought them. They let that ride for awhile thinking it might be true but it bugged the owner so he set up a camera and watched her do scratch off after scratch off. If it was a winning ticket, she put it in the register and took the cash off.

They finally ran an audit on the register AND on the lottery tickets "sold" (well, gone from the roll of tickets) and realized she was stealing $1300 worth of tickets EACH time she worked. Holy crap!

I have NO idea but don't employers have to let you know they are videoing you? Our employer had to notify us our phone calls are taped, they scrape our computer screens, etc.

[ejpint]

I used to work for a retailer, so I was always under the impression that there could be a camera somewhere. I actually dated one of the loss prevention managers, and learned a LOT about all the crazy places they can put cameras!

In a more traditional office setting, I'd be pissed if I thought there was one in my office, but anywhere else I guess I consider fair game. I mean, I change in my office sometimes! Personally, I was glad they were in the hallways at a previous employer. Things were going missing out of my office after hours, and they were able to narrow it down to a cleaning crew person based on when she went into my office and when things went missing.

[thumper55]

doesn't matter if I know about them

hidden? I would feel invaded. not cool at all

[marchmom06]

We have cameras all over our office buildings. I have no idea if there are any that point into my office, but I always assume they do. Our company clearly states that they record what's happening, with the exception of the bathrooms (and nursing rooms, etc).

In your case, I would be peeved with the lack of notification.

My running route actually takes me through a town (it's where Bill Gates & other rich folk live) & there are signs at every entrance that state the town is under 24 hour video surveillance. On the streets, parks, etc.

ETA: link that describes the town surveillance in further detail: seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2009873854_medina16m.html

[barefootcontessa]

Creepy. I would feel very uncomfortable and upset he did not disclose. I am not sure what I would do about it, though, since it is a small company and he is in charge. What are you going to do?

[AAM2012]

Could you talk to coworkers and if they're bothered you could bring it up as a group concern?