Privacy in the Digital Workplace

The digital transformation of contemporary workplaces has accelerated the integration of advanced monitoring technologies and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), reshaping how organizations manage performance, administer HR functions, and ensure operational efficiency. While these systems offer unprecedented opportunities for data-driven decision-making, they also raise significant concerns about employee privacy, autonomy, and fairness. This chapter examines the evolution of employee privacy in relation to technological change, the development and limitations of existing data protection laws, and the growing ethical risks associated with algorithmic surveillance and biometric data collection. It argues that current legal frameworks are inadequate for addressing the complexities of digital monitoring and calls for comprehensive reforms that prioritize proportionality, transparency, and employee agency. This chapter provides governance strategies, organizational best practices, and future directions for safeguarding privacy in the digital workplace.