When you are at the workplace, it can seem like everything is controlled by your boss. There are limits, however, to what they can demand of you. And, what most of us don’t know is that there are laws to save you from being shoved into uncomfortable, dangerous or unfair situations.
Employers are bound by a few rules, and there are some things they can’t ask for, no matter what. Understanding these rights can give you the power to fight for yourself and let you know when things are not working out. Here are 10 things your employer cannot legally demand of you.
Work Off the Clock
Employers are not allowed to force you to work without pay. This means that you shouldn’t be required to work late, wake up early, and work through breaks without compensation. If they need you to work beyond your hours, they must pay you for that. Asking employees to work during the night is wage theft, and that is unlawful.
Skip Legally Required Breaks
State laws differ but in most jurisdictions, you are obliged to get some sort of rest and a break for work during shifts of a certain length. Your employer cannot force you to skip these breaks so you can complete work faster. You need breaks for health and safety reasons. And not taking these breaks can damage your health, which is why they are legally protected.
Share Private Medical Information
Your health information is confidential, and your boss can’t ask you questions about conditions, treatment or even why you went on sick leave. They can demand a physician’s note for extended absences, but not personal information. Health privacy regulations such as HIPAA keep you from disclosing your personal health information in the workplace.
Disclose Personal Social Media Accounts
Some employers will want to see what you share online. But they can’t legally access your personal social media accounts. Employers cannot, in most jurisdictions, ask you for your social media passwords or track your private accounts. They can only see what’s publicly accessible without invading your privacy.
Work in Unsafe Conditions
Workplace safety regulations demand that the workplace be safe. They can’t force you to do dangerous work if they don’t have the proper equipment and training. No matter whether you’re dealing with a hazardous material, or are working in unsafe weather, you have the right to refuse (without worrying about job safety). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces these safety standards.
Sign an Illegal Contract
When an employer forces you to agree to a contract that limit your rights, that may be illegal. For example, some agreements attempt to prevent employees from discussing pay or reporting harassment. This is against the law. You can ask questions or get legal advice about any contract you are not sure about without being pressured into signing.
Take a Lie Detector Test
Employers generally can’t legally make you sit for a lie detector test. It’s illegal for most private employers to do this because of the Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA). Some industries such as security make exceptions. But for the most part employers cannot use lie detectors as a condition for hiring or continuing employment.
Donate to Political Causes
Your employer can’t force you to donate to a political organization, go to political meetings, or vote for certain candidates. What you consider political is up to you, and you should not be pushed into supporting things that you don’t like. The constitution guarantees you the freedom to make independent choices about politics.
Work Through Pregnancy Without Accommodation
If you’re pregnant, your employer should make reasonable adjustments if needed. This can include casual work or extra breaks. Pregnancy discrimination legislation shields your right to work and stay healthy. Employers cannot overlook these demands and expect you to pretend you’re not pregnant.
Report False Information
No employer ever should force you to lie or give false information; for financial statements, for clients, or for compliance. Asking you to lie in office is unethical and against the law. And if something does not seem right, you have the right to refuse. Moreover, there are whistleblower provisions to protect those employees reporting unauthorized requests or violations.
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