Intersection and Relevance of Data Privacy in HR

Organizations' HR departments are such powerful custodians of personal data that it is virtually impossible to excuse entirely or in parts data privacy and data protection in Human Resources.?

As a ground rule, any data administrator who collects personal data from data subjects has a responsibility to protect such data. Interestingly, HR departments collect and process personal data and sensitive personal data about employees, such as their names, addresses, dates of birth, employment history, and compensation, etc This data must be protected in accordance with data privacy regulations as stipulated by GDPR, NDPR, NITDA, etc?

Data subjects also have rights such as the right to be Informed, right of consent, right of access etc. HR must also ensure to respect these rights.?

So, really, data privacy is a big deal in HR especially as the digital world is becoming increasingly intertwined with our personal and professional lives, the importance of data privacy cannot be overstated. And in the world of HR, the intersection of data privacy and employee information is becoming more and more critical. There is hardly any HR function that does not involve collecting and processing personal data of some sort.?

That being said, there is also a need to use employee data to make data-driven decisions. This calls for a balance between the need for privacy with the collection and analysis of employee data to inform decision-making. This includes everything from performance evaluations to diversity and inclusion metrics.?

But how can HR departments strike the right balance between data privacy and data-driven decision-making? It starts with clear communication with employees about how their data is being collected, used, and protected. HR departments must also invest in the right tools and technologies to securely store and manage employee data, and ensure that their policies and procedures align with local and international privacy regulations.

In short, data privacy is not just a legal requirement; it's an essential element of a modern HR strategy. By prioritizing data privacy and using employee data responsibly, HR departments can create a more engaged, productive, and trusted workforce.