A request for a personnel file may, at first blush, seem like a
relatively simple inquiry. But, more and more often, an
employer's obligations in response to that request are dictated
by state law. In fact, most states have some type of law that
governs various aspects of such requests – more than just
whether access to the file is required.
Some state law requirements dictate the time for a response, the
form of the request, and conditions governing access – such
as whether the employee has a right to merely "inspect"
the file or a right to make or have a copy. Notably, some states
define what is required to be in the personnel file. Using the
example of Connecticut law, a personnel file is defined as
papers, documents and reports, including electronic mail and
facsimiles, pertaining to a particular employee that are used or
have been used by an employer to determine such employee's
eligibility for employment, promotion, additional compensation,
transfer,
