{
  "id": 19021845,
  "title": "askST Jobs: Is it illegal to secretly record my performance appraisal meeting with my boss?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/askst-jobs-is-it-illegal-to-secretly-record-my-performance-appraisal",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-08T21:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/jobs/askst-jobs-can-i-secretly-record-my-performance-appraisal-meeting-with-my-boss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Performance appraisal meetings can be delicate discussions, touching on topics like job performance, salary, promotions, and career growth. Covertly recording these conversations could strain the relationship between employees and their managers if it becomes known, and it may also conflict with company policies or confidentiality rules, according to Jayanthi Arun, a senior professional at the Institute for Human Resource Professionals.\n\nEmployees should initially address any concerns through the proper channels, like speaking with their direct supervisor or the human resources department, giving the organization a chance to respond. Covert recording should not be the first step, even when an employee feels unheard, as managers also expect confidentiality and professionalism in workplace discussions. Instead of recording without consent, employees could request permission to record the meeting. If that feels challenging, taking notes or sending an email to the manager on the same day to confirm key points is a viable alternative, advises Jayanthi.\n\nLegal expert Amarjit Kaur, head of employment law at Withers KhattarWong, notes that there's no specific Singapore law that automatically prohibits employees from secretly recording conversations they're part of. However, this doesn't mean covertly recording appraisal meetings is allowed. Such recordings may breach employment contracts, company policies, confidentiality obligations, or the trust in the employment relationship, she explains.\n\nTaking permission to record the meeting is the safer option. If denied, employees could take notes during the meeting or send a factual follow-up email documenting the discussion. Secretly recording could be considered misconduct, potentially leading to dismissal without notice, she adds. A tribunal case supports this view, where a managing director who covertly recorded an internal management meeting was dismissed without notice. The employer was a PR firm handling confidential client information, and the tribunal accepted the covert recording could severely damage the trust and confidence needed for the employment relationship.\n\nWhether covertly recording an appraisal meeting would justify dismissal depends on factors like the employee's reason for recording, their seniority, the topics discussed, the employer's policies, and any misuse of the recording. Employers should conduct a proper investigation and give the employee a chance to explain their actions before deciding on any disciplinary action, according to Amarjit.",
  "summary": "Secretly recording an appraisal meeting may not be illegal, but it could have consequences.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}