Right to Privacy at Work FAQ

Questions:

• Can my employer search me as I leave work for the day?
• Can my employer install cameras in the workplace?
• Can my employer require me to take a psychological test before promoting me to management?
• Can my employer read my email?
• Can my employer fire me for personal opinions expressed on my blog or a social networking site? Wouldn't this violate the First Amendment?
• Can I be fired for a positive drug test when I have a prescription for medical marijuana?
• Do I have a right to a copy of my personnel file?

Answer:

Do I have a right to a copy of my personnel file?

It depends on your state's law and your employer's policies. Many states give employees the right to view their personnel files, although there may be documents you aren't entitled to see (such as reports from criminal investigations or reference letters). Some states give employees a right to a copy of at least some of their personnel documents, such as documents they have signed. And even if state law doesn't give you these rights, your employer's policies may allow you to view or copy your file. 

For more information, see Nolo's article Your Personnel File and Your Rights.