Recording Meetings and Conversations

A Recording Meetings and Conversations policy sets clear rules for when employees may record in-person, phone, or virtual discussions, requiring advance approval and participant consent where needed, protecting confidential and proprietary information, and reducing risk under federal and state wiretapping and privacy laws.

How to Write a Recording Meetings and Conversations Policy

• Start with "why" and introduce the concept.
• State the default rule that employees may not record workplace meetings or conversations without advance approval.
• Require advance written authorization before any recording occurs.
• Require clear notice to all participants that a recording will be made.
• Require consent from every participant before recording starts.
• Prohibit recording of sensitive discussions without express written authorization.
• Clarify that approved recordings belong to your organization and are limited to business use.
• Ban unauthorized sharing, distribution, or posting of recordings.
• Explain that unauthorized recording may lead to discipline and legal consequences.
• Preserve employees' rights to engage in legally protected activities, including reporting workplace concerns.

For advice on writing a Recording Meetings and Conversations policy in a specific jurisdiction, see below.