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Office Romance
July 20, 2007
Let’s face it…It’s nearly impossible to keep an office romance a secret, particularly if it becomes serious. As an employer I don’t care whose sleeping with whom, but given a choice, I’d prefer my workers remain free of social distractions in the workplace. The truth of the matter is the workplace still remains a prime meeting ground for individuals to make social connections that may lead to relationships and there’s little a boss can do to stop it, but employee affairs still need to be kept within bounds.
To minimize the risk of an office romance and its harmful impact on workplace productivity or morale—small business owners are encouraged to explore the following:
- The first step should be to establish basic parameters of behavior through written policy guidelines. Let all your staff members know that the company’s first priority must be to your customers and valued suppliers. If any one of them becomes uncomfortable or disapproving about a staff relationship, you’ve got a problem and potential damage to your company’s reputation.
- Strongly worded anti-sexual-harassment policies are also encouraged. Provide training for all supervisors/managers about sexual harassment in all its forms. Educate them on the various signs that an office romance is having a negative impact on the company’s efficiency (these signs can range from increased workplace friction to unprofessional displays of affection, anger, or other emotions).
- Be careful not to overstep boundaries of employee privacy. Businesses that are overzealous in attempts to cut off, repair, or otherwise react to office romances run the risk of attracting a lawsuit.
Office romance is fairly common these days as the office is where we spend so much of our time. Many companies tried to ban dating among their employees. Most have since abandoned that plan, because of legal restrictions and recognition of the inevitable. Instead most now try to restrict such activities that are harmful to the business. A well-written, widely publicized, strictly enforced fraternization policy won’t prevent office romances from developing. It will, however, make life a lot easier, and less litigious, for you when you have to deal with it.
Posted by Shanu Singh Guliani on July 20, 2007 | Comments (0)
