The Good, Bad and Ugly of Workplace Romances: New XpertHR Report Explains What You Need to Know About Office Romance

NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J., Jan. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As Valentine's day approaches, love is in the air, and that includes the workplace. For many, the office is where people tend to meet their spouses or significant others, says a new XpertHR report on workplace romance. However, legitimate business concerns can arise because of the potential negative effects of workplace relationships. This is especially true at time when claims of harassment and inappropriate conduct have taken center stage and victims continue to come forward with allegations of unlawful and unprofessional behavior in almost every industry.

According to a survey conducted by Vault, about 57% of those surveyed have been involved in a workplace romance. Famous couples who met at work include Barack and Michelle Obama, Bill and Melinda Gates, and Jim Halpert and Pam Beesley of "The Office".

"People spend a lot of time with each other at work, they share much in common with their co-workers, and romance commonly blooms," says Beth Zoller, Legal Editor, XpertHR. "However, permitting employees who are romantically involved to work together opens an employer up to the risk of a lawsuit."

From claims of harassment and unfair treatment to inappropriate conduct and workplace touching, workplace romances can lead to risky and unprofessional behavior. The recent spike in sexual harassment claims have cast a spotlight on harassment and brought renewed interest and scrutiny to already-complicated workplace relationships. It is critical for employers and HR to know how to properly manage and monitor such relationships.

Some workplaces completely ban romantic relationships in the workplace. More commonly, employers establish policies placing certain restrictions on dating, particularly between those who have reporting relationships.

From a practical standpoint, employers should not attempt to ban romance in the workplace, says XpertHR. However, from an HR standpoint, strategic issues related to employee morale and productivity, retention, as well as the potential for harassment claims may arise. Having policies that address romantic workplace relations can be a very good idea from a compliance and risk management standpoint.

XpertHR's report identifies potential problems with love in the office, including concerns regarding favoritism and preferential treatment which may emerge when romantic relationships take place between supervisors and subordinates. In addition, workplace relationships may lead to decreased productivity as the partners may be more focused on each other than their work. Also, one of the reasons that employers may even consider policies prohibiting dating, or fraternization, in the workplace is the fear of harassment claims that may be raised before, during or after a relationship.

HR leaders are in a key position to help their employers develop an appropriate strategy, and related policies, documentation and training, to effectively navigate the sensitive issue of workplace romances. Simply having a policy regarding dating and personal relationships not enough. Ongoing communication and training is important to ensure that managers and staff understand the company's philosophy, policies and practices related to romantic relationships in the workplace. Employees need to know what is considered acceptable and unacceptable workplace conduct and how to remain professional at work.

XpertHR recommends that employers:

• Have a dating and personal relationships policy as well as strong EEO policies addressing discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
• Closely monitor romantic relationships that already exist.
• Apply policies consistently.
• Communicate regularly.
• Reduce social media risks.
• Consider using a love contract.

Whether or not an organization decides to implement a policy specifically addressing dating between co-workers, harassment policies can help to address some of the concerns that these types of relationships may lead to.

"Office romances are often inevitable but they can cause complications for employers, who need to ensure proper workplace conduct and make sure all employees are treated fairly," says Zoller. "Employers should evaluate the risks related to romantic relationships in the workplace, adopt proper policies to protect the employer's interests, and set parameters for dating and close personal relationships at work."

To download a copy of the full survey whitepaper, visit XpertHR.

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Media Contact:
Beth Brody
[email protected]
908-295-0600

SOURCE XpertHR