Is it Legal for a Former Company to Still Use My Voicemail Recording Two Months After Firing Me?
Occasionally, the situation arises where you find yourself parting ways with a company. It is rarely an enjoyable experience, particularly if leaving was your manager's wishes and not your own. Imagine the awkwardness of calling your old boss a few months later and finding your voice is still on his voicemail recording. While this is an unpleasant situation, remember to handle it with proper business etiquette.
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General Legality
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It is legal for former employers to keep your voice on the business's main voicemail recording. The real legal question surfaces if the usage of your voice implies that you are still an employee, consultant or independent contractor with the company. An example of this usage would be if your personal voicemail box remains open, accepting messages after you have parted ways with the company.
Emotional Reaction
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As a former employee, you likely do not expect to have much phone communication with your past employer. Hearing your own voice answer your call can give you a strange sense of lingering attachment to your old company. That may not be something you wish to feel. If the only time you hear your voice recording is when you call your old extension, consider it a minor oversight on the company's part, unless they prove otherwise.
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Requesting a Removal
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You may wish to have your voice removed from their answering system for your own personal or professional reasons. The best way to make this request is with a short and polite letter or email to your former supervisor, to provide a written record of your request if your old boss refuses to remove or replace your voice on their system in a timely manner. If your request is not honored within a reasonable timeframe, you can send the company an official cease and desist letter with the guidance of an attorney.
Take It Easy
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Hearing your own voice on a former employer's answering system can be a bit disconcerting, whether you hear it for yourself or if an old work acquaintance makes you aware of it. It is not something to stress over. Let bygones be bygones. If you are not a professional voiceover actor, just accept it as a compliment and carry on with your life.
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