Do I have legal recourse for my boss violating my privacy?
Asked by MarriedWithChildren
I gave my two-weeks notice to my current employer. Since I felt I had a good working relationship with him, I told him where I was going and the reasons for my departure. I then specifically asked him to not divulge any of my plans to anyone else. Within 48 hours he had released my personal life to all Directors in the company. He also decided to throw a reception. I told him I did not wish it, but he did anyway. He didn't bother to tell his assistant of my request for privacy, and she summarily emailed all users on the system to tell them about the reception while throwing in the where I'm going, why, etc... I am extremely upset about all this. The information they gave was basically where I am moving to. This obviously isn't my medical records or my social security number, and since I am moving out of state, it probably won't cause me issues in the future, but it's the principle of the thing. I'm mad as hell now! Is there anything I can do?

Best Answer:
I can understand your frustration, but you don't have any legal remedies here. There is no expectation of privacy in the location of a new town or a new job since the public at large has ready access to that information, and as you indicated, there aren't any HIPAA violations. I know you're mad, but it seems like this guy was just trying to do something nice for you because he values you as a person. Sure, he made some errors, which were compounded by the actions of his assistant, but it doesn't look like there was any ill-will. It seems like it was an "I'm not supossed to tell you this, but..." situation that just snowballed. I think that most of us have probably been on both sides of that scenario. I hope you go to the reception and have a wonderful time saying farewell to your friends, boss, and all the problems that go along with that job. Then, you can focus all your efforts into making your new journey a positive one. Best of luck!

Since you voluntarily told him...probably not. Although it is usually best to wait till the last day of employment before telling your boss where you are going to. I have seen this work much smoother than when someone tells everything about where they are going. And only give contact info to those who will legitimately need it.
Answered by Toledo Engineer

How have you been damaged? What is the monetary amount of your damages? Personally I Never elaborate any more than I have to with my immediate supervisor or boss.
Answered by croatan211

Sorry, but if this was so important to you, why would you go around telling people this information, and no I don't think there is a thing you can legally do about it.
Answered by Pobept K

You know what? I think it is very nice and conciderate that the people you work with care enough to give you a going away reception! Since it will not cause you any problems with where you are going, then BE HAPPY and ACCEPT that there are people out there with heart! and Compassion! and WILL most likely miss you! This is what is wrong today, people just can not be nice to anyone anymore. I am not saying your boss was correct in telling where you are going, but eventually people would know you were gone, and slipping out is totally inconciderate, unless you are hiding something! Just be thankful you have people in your life that CARE!
Answered by hrhjody

Don't tell people things you don't want repeated. There's nothing you can do legally, that is for sure. You can always choose not to attend the reception, but if that's your choice, please let the boss know in advance.
Answered by likepepsi

You could refuse to attend the reception. You could leave now (before the end of the two weeks). Beyond that, I am not sure what you hope to achieve with a lawsuit. You are not claiming to have any actual damages. I am also doubtful that taking time off from your new job to return to your old state for to appear in court would help your career.
Answered by StephenWeinstein