Data Privacy | eLearning
Why Managers Should Have More Than Just a Basic Understanding of Data Protection
Whether you like it or not, as a manager, you are a role model, and with that comes the inevitable responsibility of adhering to the rules in an exemplary manner. At this point, the article could be finished: Make sure you understand data protection, because as a manager, it is expected that you lead by example. Full stop.
Plenty of Good Reasons
However, it’s not quite that simple. There are many other compelling reasons why managers should have more than just a basic understanding of data protection. Few other groups come into contact with sensitive data as frequently. Managers have insight into figures, are aware of the organisation’s strategic direction, and have access to a wide range of internal information.
Personal Data on Board
For data protection officers, it is particularly relevant that individuals in leadership positions handle sensitive employee data daily. Ideally, this involves data directly related to employment, such as an employee’s professional qualifications or salary. However, it’s also possible that colleagues might confide in you with private information that isn’t directly related to work, such as details about illnesses or marital problems.
With so much sensitive data on board, you must be fully aware of what you can and cannot do. Therefore, it’s essential for managers not only to master the basics of data protection but also to understand the specific issues that may arise in their position. These issues include:
- To what extent must I treat information about my employees as confidential?
- How should I handle private information that employees share with me unsolicited?
- How can I create a confidential environment for personnel discussions?
- What am I allowed to document about my employees?
The Solution? Intensive Training!
OK, this statement might not come as a surprise. Of course, all employees who handle personal data must regularly attend data protection training. However, given the reasons mentioned above, managers, in particular, should receive especially intensive and targeted training. And because it’s often difficult to gather this specific group at a fixed time in a training room, eLearning is a suitable solution.
Do you want to address the specific needs of your managers in your training strategy? Then we recommend these course modules:
Feel free to contact us, if we can assist you!