May and employer ask for employees' personal contact information, such as phone numbers, email addresses, or contacts where they may be if caring for family members? Can that information be shared with with other employees?

Yes, you may ask for phone numbers and email addresses consistent with any non-discriminatory workplace policy you may have in place.  Although there are no Federal laws governing this area, there may be state laws governing privacy of which you should be aware. 

Keep in mind that you may not be familiar with all of your individual employees’ personal circumstances and that on occasion, sharing private contact information or other personal information among employees may be objectionable for any number of legitimate reasons.  In certain instances, under federal equal employment opportunity law, employers may be liable for workplace harassment that occurs at the hands of fellow employees. 

We strongly encourage you to limit the information collected to only that which is necessary, and limit the individuals with whom the information is shared, unless you have the consent of your employees. 

Note: As an overall matter, employers should be guided in their relationship with their employees by federal, state, and local employment law, and by the company-specific application of these laws as reflected in employee handbooks, manuals, and contracts (including bargaining agreements).

Not all of the employment laws referenced apply to all employers or all employees, particularly state and local government agencies.  For information on whether a particular employer or employee is covered by a law, please use the links provided for more detailed information.  This information is not intended for federal agencies or federal employees -- they should contact the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for guidance.

Last Reviewed: 09/01/2011

• May employers ask employees if they have children or other family members for whom they may need to take care of in the event of a pandemic (for example, if schools were closed)? May they be asked if they have someone else who can take care of these family members? May this information be shared with supervisors and managers?
• May employers ask employees if they may have a higher risk of infection, for example, a compromised immune system?

• Workplace Questions
  • Equal Employment Opportunities
    • Privacy Issues