Empowering Employees: A Toolkit for Starting Conversations About VOE and VOI Data Privacy

As employees, your personal and financial data is valuable, and it’s critical to ensure it is protected and shared responsibly. With Verification of Employment (VOE) and Verification of Income (VOI) reports playing a key role in lending decisions for mortgages, car loans, and rental agreements, understanding how your data is managed is more important than ever. Many employers outsource these processes to third-party verification providers, which means your data could be shared without your explicit knowledge or consent.

To help employees address these concerns, we’ve created a toolkit of conversation starters to engage with employers about data sharing and privacy practices. These discussions can promote greater transparency and ensure your voice is heard in safeguarding your information.

Step 1: Prepare for the Conversation

Before initiating a discussion with your employer, it’s important to do some groundwork. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Understand Your Data: Familiarize yourself with VOE and VOI reports, including what information they contain and how they are used. Knowing how this data impacts your financial opportunities will help you articulate your concerns clearly.
2. Research Your Employer’s Practices: Determine whether your employer uses a third-party provider for VOE and VOI verification. If possible, find out which provider they use and review their data privacy policies.
3. Define Your Goals: Be clear about what you want to achieve in the conversation. Are you seeking more transparency? A commitment to ethical data sharing? Better notification practices? Knowing your objectives will keep the discussion focused.

Step 2: Conversation Starters

Here are some example questions and statements to help guide your conversation:

Opening the Dialogue

• “I’ve been learning more about how Verification of Employment (VOE) and Verification of Income (VOI) reports impact financial decisions like loans and rentals. Could you tell me more about how our company handles this process?”
• “I’m curious about whether our VOE and VOI processes involve third-party providers. Can you share how these providers are chosen and what steps are taken to ensure data privacy?”

Raising Privacy Concerns

• “I’ve noticed that some verification providers don’t notify employees when their data is shared. Does our company’s provider have a policy to notify and obtain consent from employees?”
• “Protecting employee data is so important. What measures does our company take to ensure that VOE and VOI data is only shared with organizations that prioritize privacy and transparency?”

Advocating for Change

• “I believe it’s crucial for employees to be informed about how their data is used. Would the company consider adopting policies that require providers to notify employees each time their data is shared?”
• “Can we explore using verification providers that align with stronger privacy standards, such as requiring explicit employee consent before sharing data?”

Step 3: Suggest Solutions

Once you’ve raised your concerns, be ready to offer constructive solutions. This can include:

1. Recommending Providers: Suggest using verification providers that prioritize transparency, such as those that notify employees before sharing their data.
2. Employee Training: Advocate for educational sessions to help employees understand their VOE and VOI reports and how they impact financial decisions.
3. Policy Updates: Encourage your employer to implement policies that give employees greater control over their data, such as requiring explicit consent for data sharing.

Step 4: Follow Up

After your initial conversation, follow up with your employer to keep the dialogue going. Thank them for their time and ask for updates on any actions or changes being considered. This shows your commitment to the issue and helps maintain momentum.

Building a Culture of Transparency

Having open conversations about data privacy isn’t just about protecting your personal information—it’s about fostering a culture of trust and transparency within your workplace. By engaging with your employer and advocating for ethical practices, you’re not only safeguarding your own data but also contributing to a better environment for all employees.

Use this toolkit to start meaningful conversations about VOE and VOI data privacy. Together, we can ensure that employee data is handled responsibly and ethically in every workplace.