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<< Back to FAQ/Fact list Q: When we started receiving a number of calls from vendors and other suppliers about bills not having been paid, we suspected that our Accounts Payable Clerk was not doing her job. Since she was on vacation when these calls came in, we brought in a locksmith to get into her desk, and we uncovered several months’ bills stuffed in one of the drawers. This included telephone and utility bills and, generally, this made us very uncomfortable. Her employment was terminated upon her return from vacation. She complained that the contents of her desk were her property and that we had no right to search it. She pointed out that we had no policy stating otherwise and claimed that going into her desk was an “invasion of privacy.” She was terminated anyway, but we are wondering just whose property are the contents of the desk? A: The desk and contents other than personal property belong to the organization. The firm has the right to "search" an employee’s desk, file cabinets, and so on. With proper notice and reason, you may also search an employee’s purse, briefcase, and other personal belongings. We suggest clear statements about organization "ownership" of desk and file cabinet contents be part of the Employee Handbook. |