How to manage workplace romances
Most romantic relationships begin in the workplace. That practice will continue as people work longer hours in environments that encourage teamwork, openness, and familiarity. But sometimes those relationships can cause problems - particularly if they sour or go off the boil - contributing to reduced productivity or lower morale or even claims of sexual harassment. If you’re faced with this tricky situation, here are some techniques to consider...
1. Understand the power of setting the example.
Office romances have occurred ever since men and women became co-workers, and have involved bosses and staff alike. A 1994 survey by the American Management Association found that 30 per cent of managers acknowledged having at least one office liaison of their own; 74 per cent approved dating co-workers, and 21 per cent approved of dating subordinates. One of the biggest influences on office romances, and the ways in which they are conducted, will emanate from the examples provided by those at the top of the organisation. In one prominent Australian professional services firm, a continuing affair involving two of its senior partners gave tacit approval to the practice. Irrespective of any policies espoused to the contrary, staff saw the partners’ behaviour as approving workplace liaisons.
2. Respect individuals’ rights.
Balancing individuals’ rights to privacy with protecting employees from sexual harassment and the organisation from accusations of conflict of interest is fraught with complications. Indeed, it is the concern over claims of sexual harassment, usually after a romance has soured, that is a major concern about organisations’ appropriate response to office romances. When you become aware of a blossoming relationship, you need to monitor the situation and try to pre-empt any problems. This could involve speaking to both people, together, right at the beginning. You may, for example, request that they refrain from public displays of affection. If, however, you don’t consider that there could be a problem, stay out of it. It is a situation that calls for careful consideration, communication, and common sense.
3. Consider possible scenarios.
When in bloom, workplace relationships can take peoples’ minds off the job causing productivity to suffer. Co-workers, too, can feel uneasy when associated in some ways with the romance; many informal communication networks are disrupted; break-ups can shatter more than one office relationship. And then there are the harassment claims that can result from those consensual relationships that go bad.
So there are three likely scenarios that should be considered. Your response to them is likely to influence your actions:
- Will the relationship affect individuals’ and organisational productivity?
- Will the relationship affect the morale of co-workers?
- Could the relationship lead to possible sexual harassment claims?
If you can live with your worst-case scenario, you may decide to take no further action. And conversely.
