Health Information Privacy Rights
The "Need to Know" Basis
Building some degree of a personal relationship with team members is important. So when someone is out sick for an extended period of time, concern is natural! Even more so during a global pandemic. But it's more important that both coworkers and managers know where to draw the line. Asking about the specifics of a health condition, or the results of an important health screening is a no-go in terms of personal health information privacy.
Microlesson Description
This microlesson intends to teach employees about both their own health information privacy and that of their coworkers. We provide examples of a culture snafu where someone's privacy is not respected, and offer guidance on how to avoid such situations. Built in survey questions will gauge employee sentiment around coworkers' understanding of privacy rights at work.
Key Concepts
- Employers, managers or co-workers are not entitled to know the substance or details of someone’s health.
- How to ask about someone’s ability to return to work, and necessary accommodations.
- How deep are employees’ understanding of privacy rights? Are those rights respected?
Interested in training your employees with 3-5 minute video lessons that address specific and timely concepts?
Related Resources
COVID-19 Letter to Employees
We’ve crafted a communication that encourages employees to be mindful of their colleagues’ individual situations during the pandemic
Return to Work Policy Template
A guide for how to safely return to work following COVID-19
How to Effectively Manage Your Remote Team
This brief Tip Sheet is intended for managers who are supervising remote teams, to show how to effectively manage your remote team
Related Microlessons
COVID-19 and Returning to Work
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Return to Work Policy and Procedures
Information about new safety protocols and procedures.
Establishing Healthy Norms of Behavior
What shared norms look like for workplace culture.