my employer wants to know what i do outside of work

[syndy54]

What is the name of your state? ohio
I work in a hospital. There are 3 levels in our evaluation. It is almost impossible to get the top level. They have decided that they want to know what community activities employees are involved in. They are using this on our evaluations. Their reasoning is that whatever comunity or employee activities we are involved in, they will count it towards customer service on our evaluations. I dont understand how it can be legal for them to know what we do when we are not at work. I dont believe in this. Our manager ask us to write out a list of what we do, when we are at home and off the clock, so he can use it while giving evalutions. His example is that if we belong to a church, and particpate in church events, it will be counted. In other words, someone who goes to church and does the same job I do, will get a higher evaluation then me. Is this legal?

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

What is the name of your state? ohio
I work in a hospital. There are 3 levels in our evaluation. It is almost impossible to get the top level. They have decided that they want to know what community activities employees are involved in. They are using this on our evaluations. Their reasoning is that whatever comunity or employee activities we are involved in, they will count it towards customer service on our evaluations. I dont understand how it can be legal for them to know what we do when we are not at work. I dont believe in this. Our manager ask us to write out a list of what we do, when we are at home and off the clock, so he can use it while giving evalutions. His example is that if we belong to a church, and particpate in church events, it will be counted. In other words, someone who goes to church and does the same job I do, will get a higher evaluation then me. Is this legal?

My response:

There is no law, necessarily, against asking employees what they do after work. As a matter of fact, most employment applications ask about "extracurricular" activities.

However, if you really want to stick it to him, you tell him that after work, you work part time for the ACLU, doing research on Employment practices, and going after employers who ask stupid, non-work related, questions.

That should "grab" him - - and, perhaps, get you tossed out of a job.

IAAL

 

[Beth3]

I don't think I agree with your interpretation of your supervisor's remarks. He gave the volunteer work at church as an example. I have friends that volunteer a week every year via their church to work in an underpriviledged area of the country. I could do the same volunteer work via a non-religious organization.

There's no reason to believe that someone would get more "bonus points" because something is a church-related activity than if you volunteered for Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

The hospital does have a vested interest in their good name in the community, which is positively impacted by volunteerism and participation altruistic community organizations and events. Many employers encourage their employees to participate in such actiities and not-for-profit charitable organizations. You're only being asked to inform them of any altruistic activities you participate in, not who you date, what books you read, or whether you have a couple of cocktails on Friday night.

If you really think your supervisor was saying that employees who belong to an organized religion will get more points over those who do volunteer work that is not affiliated with a religious organization, I suggest you go back to your supervisor and ask for clarification. If your interpretation is correct, then post back as there may be some legal implications. But please talk to your supervisor first. I really think you misunderstood.

 

[syndy54]

so its okay?

so you think it is okay that my employer can is using what i do on my off time, for my evaluation. What does what i do have to do with my job? How i do my job and treat my co-workers should be what counts. I just dont understand how it can be okay for one employee to get hirer marks on their evaluation, and more pay, because they are part of some charity.How can that be legal?

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Re: so its okay?

so you think it is okay that my employer can is using what i do on my off time, for my evaluation. What does what i do have to do with my job? How i do my job and treat my co-workers should be what counts. I just dont understand how it can be okay for one employee to get hirer marks on their evaluation, and more pay, because they are part of some charity.How can that be legal?

My response:

First, it's perfectly legal to ask for the information. Second, an employer might want this information to see what you're doing and if that might affect the "good name" of the business. For example, if you work for a Synagog or Church, but on your own time, you are the Grand Wizard of the KKK, your employer might want to think twice about keeping you as an employee. However, if it's your hobby to be the best baker of chocolate cookies in the world, then you may have a skill that could be utilized at the next company picnic. Or, if you're an Amway salesperson, your employer might want to utilize your sales talents for interpersonal and client / customer relations.

Everybody has skills and interests outside of employment, and your employer is only trying to find out if anything that YOU do can be incorporated into your daily work with your employer. I rather doubt there's anything sinister going on.

Or, you know what? Just tell your employer that you're a couch potato.

IAAL

 

[Beth3]

Yes, it is perfectly okay and legal for your employer to encourage employees to participate in community volunteerism and to incorporate that into your reviews.

If you're not happy with your employer's perspective on this, you are always free to find a new place to work.