After leaving my job, my former boss called and asked for the WhatsApp messages we exchanged about a project. To be honest, I didn't understand at first, and then I felt a bit uneasy. There were also things I had discussed outside of work there. Do you think I should provide this, or would refusing cause me trouble?
I experienced something similar in a previous job. They requested project messages, but I didn't give them all; I only sent the ones related to work. I didn't touch on other private correspondence because it wasn't their right. They have no right to ask you for anything outside of work.
Now that you've left your job, it seems like the project is also finished there. But you mentioned there are private communications involved; why did you use your personal number instead of the work WhatsApp? Perhaps this distinction should have been made from the start.
From a legal standpoint, your workplace cannot request your private messages. However, outright refusal could be seen as a lack of responsibility in the employment relationship. I think you can kindly explain that you're only sharing the work-related part and not the rest. You might also consider seeking legal advice.
Friends, I want to add something. I still have access to my WhatsApp messages, so I haven't deleted them. But there are also some private things I wrote in those conversations with a coworker from my old job. That's why I'm feeling a bit more hesitant. I don't even feel comfortable going through them.
Sorry, but I think the boss is after something else. Is she trying to see something different in those messages? If the project is already finished, why is she focusing on it again now? Maybe she is trying to gather evidence against someone else.
If I were them, I wouldn't get involved at all, because things are complicated, you know? Plus, everyone has their private life; they can't interfere with personal messages. Even the teachers can't look at our "personal" stuff in emails, you know 🙂
To be honest, I’m against not giving it. Because at some point, our family and those around us need to know their limits. Especially if there are private conversations involved, you need to protect your privacy. When it’s over, a person focuses on their own peace.
