HS&S Partner Gary Phelan Speaks About Recording Meetings and Workplace Privacy on “Melissa in the Morning”
11/17/2025Partner Gary Phelan appeared on “Melissa in the Morning” to address the growing issue of employees recording conversations in the workplace. The segment focused on the legal framework, the motivation behind secret recordings and the potential consequences for both employees and employers.
Gary explained that more employees are recording routine workplace conversations, often because they believe they need evidence of unlawful discrimination or other illegal behavior. Although Connecticut is a one-party consent state, which allows a conversation to be recorded if one participant consents, workplace policies and privacy expectations still apply. Gary noted that while a recording might be legal under state law, it can still lead to discipline, claims of invasion of privacy or broader workplace conflict.
He advised employees to seek legal guidance before recording any meeting, since the reasons for doing so are critical from both a legal and practical standpoint. For employers, he recommended reviewing their policies to ensure they address recordings clearly and fairly. He also cautioned against immediately disciplining an employee for making a recording without understanding the circumstances, since a rigid response may expose an employer to additional legal risk if the underlying issue involves potential unlawful conduct.
Gary, who teaches at Quinnipiac University School of Law and is widely recognized for his work in employment and disability law, offered listeners a straightforward explanation of how technology, privacy and workplace rules intersect. His guidance emphasized careful investigation, thoughtful policy development and awareness of employee rights.