Do I Have the Right to See My Personnel File?

An employee’s personnel file often contains confidential and sensitive information such as sales records, performance evaluations, and salary history. Is a current or past employee entitled to a copy of that information?

Laws in each state differ. In Ohio, for example, a private employer is required to provide an employee with only basic information such as hours worked and gross wages per pay period. In Arkansas, employees have the right to view their file only if given by company policy or an employment contract. And public employees are often covered by a state’s Freedom of Information Act.

So how should employers handle a request from an employee? On one hand, providing employees access to their personnel files encourages transparency and openness in the workplace by showing that the employer has nothing to hide. On the other hand, however, a disgruntled employee could use his or her file as a basis for a discrimination claim or lawsuit.

Whatever you decide, it’s important to take the time to put the policy in writing and apply it consistently. For assistance with your particular situation, contact our office today.