Navigating Employee Data Responsibly: What's the Tea in L&E?

In this episode of What’s the Tea in L&E, host Leah Stiegler sits down with Cybersecurity & Data Privacy attorney Patrick Austin for a thoughtful conversation about the increasingly complex world of employee information and data management. Leah and Patrick discuss the risks and requirements for maintaining employee data, particularly in light of the California Privacy Protection Agency's (CPPA) recent $1.35 million penalty against Tractor Supply Company (which is headquartered outside of California) for alleged violations of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).  

Leah and Patrick explore what employers should keep top of mind when collecting, storing, and protecting employee and applicant data. Patrick highlights the importance of implementing a clear, comprehensive privacy policy and a well‑defined record retention plan. They also emphasize the need for consistency in the types of information employers request—whether sensitive or routine—to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance.

What’s the Tea in L&E? is a video series dedicated to unpacking the latest trends, challenges, and developments in Labor & Employment law, offering practical insights for employers navigating an evolving legal landscape.

This episode is highlighted in a Privacy Daily article published on January 9, 2026. Subscribers may access the feature through the publication’s site.