EVOLUTION OF THE PAPERLESS OFFICE - LEGAL ISSUES ARISING OUT OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORKPLACE .2. ELECTRONIC ADMINISTRATION OF PERSONNEL RECORDS, BENEFIT PLANS, AND DIRECT PAYROLL DEPOSIT

The impact of technology in the workplace has raised a number of uniqu e and complex legal issues for employers across the country. In partic ular, many employers have begun to envision the evolution of a ''paper less office,'' in which most communications, data, and information are stored and disseminated electronically. Similarly, many employers hav e discarded the concept of a traditional ''paycheck'' in favor of the payment of wages to employees via direct payroll deposit. Part I of th is two-part article, published in the Winter 1995/96 issue of the Jour nal, surveyed the sources of potential liability arising out of the us e of E-mail and voicemail technology in the workplace. Part II highlig hts many of the legal complexities concerning the electronic administr ation of personnel records and employee benefit plans and the direct p ayroll deposit of employee wages.