The Team at HR Stories has done a number of romance gone wrong stories throughout the year (see below for a few of our more popular episodes)…and as Valentine’s Day approaches, the question arises – is love in the air at your workplace? It’s not uncommon for colleagues to meet, date, and sometimes even marry. However, while banning inter-office relationships is unrealistic, it’s crucial to have policies and a culture that manage these relationships effectively to prevent disruptions, favoritism, and potential sexual harassment claims.

First, Let’s Defining Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that can take various forms, from quid pro quo scenarios to creating a hostile work environment. It’s not just about physical actions; verbal and non-verbal behaviors also count. When romance enters the workplace, the line between a consensual relationship and perceived harassment can sometimes blur, especially if there’s a power imbalance or if the advances are unwelcome.

The Thin Line Between Romance and Harassment

Workplace romances can inadvertently lead to situations perceived as harassment. The importance of mutual consent, respect, and understanding boundaries cannot be overstated. Employees should know how to express interest in a colleague respectfully and what behaviors may be inappropriate in a professional setting.

Best Practices for Managing Workplace Relationships

The Team at HR Stories suggests a checklist for best practices in managing romantic relationships at work:

• Create a Formal Policy: This should outline acceptable behavior and provide guidance on workplace relationships.
• Include in the Employee Handbook: Make this policy easily accessible to all employees.
• Connect to Sexual Harassment Policy: Ensure that the employee dating policy is referenced in the sexual harassment policy.
• Supervisor-Direct Report Relationships: Discourage or prohibit romantic or sexual relationships between supervisors and their direct reports to avoid conflicts of interest.
• Work Impact Considerations: Assess if the relationship affects the couple’s work.
• Client and Customer Relationships: Set boundaries for relationships with clients and customers.
• Tailor to Company Culture: Adapt the policy to fit your company’s unique culture.
• Disclosure Requirements: Require employees to disclose romantic relationships to ensure transparency.
• Encourage Open Communication: This can prevent hidden relationships that might cause issues later.
• Documentation: Keep records in case of future harassment claims.
• Manage Relationships: Outline clear steps like transfers, departures, or “Love Contracts” to acknowledge relationships formally.
• Public Displays of Affection: Set clear guidelines on what is not acceptable in the workplace, such as flirting or physical intimacy.

Legal Implications and Employer Liability

Employers have a legal responsibility to prevent and address sexual harassment. Failure to do so can lead to significant legal consequences. Understanding vicarious liability is crucial, as employers can be held responsible for their employees’ actions. This underscores the importance of having clear, enforced policies and training. (Episode 60 – Breaking Legal Barriers: The Part-Time Secretary Who Rewrote Harassment Laws)

Creating a Safe and Respectful Workplace

A strong company culture that emphasizes respect and dignity is key to preventing sexual harassment. Regular training, clear reporting mechanisms, and a robust investigation process are essential components of a respectful workplace. The best practices checklist outlined earlier contribute significantly to creating such an environment.

What Else Can You Do?

When romantic relationships fail in the workplace they can lead to sexual harassment claims – add a burden to the organization – and create other issues. Go to the HR Stories Podcast and check out these 2 popular episodes –

Episode 25 – Workplace Romances. Is Love in the Air at your Workplace?

Episode 11 – “I want to go to bed with you”, said her boss. – Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson…the original Sexual Harassment Supreme Court case.

For more Checklists and other helpful Resources, be sure to check out – The Ultimate Book of HR Checklists – Getting HR Right: Your Step-by-Step Reference for Avoiding Costly Mistakes. Go to https://hrchecklists.com/ for more information, download a free sample.

For a good personal relationships in the workplace policy example, check out his one from The National Institute of Health Office of Human Resources.