Keep it confidential: Why protecting customer info matters in WI workplaces

Imagine you’re having lunch with a former employee who’s moved on to a new job with your company’s direct competitor. During the conversation, the person casually says, “Hey, what if we exchanged contact information and lists of our (presumably) high-value clients?” What do you do? Hopefully, you decline your former colleague’s request. In Wisconsin, when it comes to customer information—names, contact details, preferences, purchase history—that isn’t yours to share.

So, what’s the big deal?

Customer information is typically a company’s most valuable asset. It’s not just a list of names—it’s trust, loyalty, and often years of relationship-building. Sharing that with a competitor? That’s not helping a friend. That’s crossing a legal line.

In Wisconsin, employees have a legal obligation to protect their employer’s confidential information, even after they leave the job. Here’s what’s important to know: