I resigned and now can’t retrieve files from my work Google Drive. IT exported bookmarks and personal folders, but shared folders remain locked. Do I have legal recourse?
yo, been there done that. it sucks when companies pull this crap. have u tried hitting up ur old boss directly? sometimes theyll bend the rules if u explain ur situation. worth a shot before going all legal n stuff. good luck man!
As someone who’s been through a similar situation, I can tell you that accessing personal files after resignation can be tricky. Legally, the company owns the Google Drive account, so they’re within their rights to restrict access. However, most companies have policies in place to allow former employees to retrieve personal data.
My advice would be to reach out to HR or your former manager directly. Explain the situation calmly and request assistance in retrieving your personal files from the shared folders. Often, they’ll be willing to help if you approach it professionally.
If that doesn’t work, you could consider seeking legal counsel, but be aware that pursuing legal action might be costly and time-consuming. In my experience, it’s usually more effective to exhaust all diplomatic options first. Document all your communication attempts in case you need to escalate the issue later.
Remember for future reference: always keep personal files separate from work accounts to avoid this headache altogether.
Having dealt with a similar situation, I can offer some insights. While the company technically owns the Google Drive account, there’s often room for negotiation when it comes to personal files. Your best bet is to approach this diplomatically.
Start by drafting a polite email to your former manager or HR representative. Clearly explain which specific files you need access to and why they’re important to you. Be prepared to provide evidence that these are indeed personal files, not work-related ones.
If you don’t get a response or they refuse, consider escalating to a higher-level manager. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can help resolve the issue. As a last resort, you might consult with an employment lawyer to understand your options, but be aware that legal action can be costly and may damage professional relationships.
For future reference, always maintain a clear separation between personal and work files to avoid such complications.