Human rights get a lot of attention when discussing matters of culture, or politics. Although many refer to the founding documents of our country to determine human rights, when it comes to employment, there are more specific laws that guarantee your protection while at work.
Workplace protection
There are aspects of human rights law intertwined with employment law, such as discrimination and harassment restrictions. With regard to human rights, there is the right to protection of privacy. Discrimination against an individual for a lifestyle or private life decision is a violation of this right. An employer monitoring communication without notifying the employee, such as emails, images, phone calls or internet access, violates the right to private life and privacy in the workforce. These rights are not directly afforded by the Constitution but implemented through local, state and federal legislation and governing boards.
Ethics vs rights
Human rights are a conversation about what is ethical and appropriate, and these are often the standard for evaluating the treatment of people groups. Certain opinions or perspectives may not receive the same attention in the workplace if no law exists within the state. Connecticut has a Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, with the goal of enforcing human rights related to illegal discrimination, affirmative action and equal opportunities. Some of these standards come from the federal government.
Human rights and workplace rights are not the same things, though there are a lot of crossovers between them. Governing agencies determine the appropriate treatment of individuals within the work environment, with many of these rules stemming from human rights concerns.
