Love In The Workplace
By admin
Issued of HR Consultancy Blue Apple
Claire Cooper, Managing Director of HR Consultancy Blue Apple, looks at the issue of love in the workplace and how to avoid hearing the words “You’re fired.”
The BBC show ‘The Apprentice’ is usually a place for war, not love. The feisty contestants are often the first to backstab and snipe against each other to save their own chances of becoming Sir Alan Sugar’s next apprentice – and the six-figure pay packet that comes with it.
But during last week’s show it was heavily implied that the relationship between ex-army Lieutenant Paul and global brand consultant Katie had developed into something a little more flirtatious – arguably resulting in Paul’s decision not to call Katie back in to the boardroom when their team failed the task.
Some may have seen it as a romantic or chivalrous gesture, but when Sir Alan thought Paul might have let a relationship affect his business judgement, he made his displeasure quite clear, and Paul was fired.
“One in four of us meet our life partners in work, so this situation is far from unusual, says Claire.
“However, it is unusual that people in long term relationships end up facing problems at work – it is far more likely to be those embarking on a new love affair or a couple who have just been through a break-up, that end up in trouble.
“It seems obvious to state, but if two colleagues have a relationship and it turns sour, working together can be extremely difficult, not only for the couple involved but for those around them as well.
“If a broken relationship has made working together impossible, employees should treat it as they would if any colleague was making them feel uncomfortable or affecting productivity – approach their manager and explain the situation, and look at being moved to a different team or project.
“Reasonable employers should realise that office relationships do happen, and problems or issues between two colleagues can occur for many reasons, not just because of a romance that has gone wrong.
“However, employers do need to be aware of the negative implications that an office romance can have on their business or organisation.
“For example, if someone begins dating a senior member of staff, there can be issues with confidentiality – company policy can easily become pillow talk!
“Similarly, there needs to be great caution taken over pay-related issues – if someone is in a relationship with the person who decides on pay – especially if it is performance related – this could cause great controversy and resentment amongst other staff.
“A good example of this was seen recently when Paul Wolfowitz, the president of the World Bank, was forced to publicly apologise after it was revealed he directly intervened to secure his girlfriend a promotion and pay rise without a review by an ethics committee or the board’s chairman.
“The World Bank had a policy where spouses or partners are prohibited from supervising one another, but Paul Wolfowitz still managed to use his influence to his partner’s benefit.
“Cases like this have led to some companies, particularly in America, introducing ‘Love Contracts’. These are documents that dating employees are asked to sign, confirming that they are having a consensual relationship, and that it won’t affect their professionalism or confidentiality.
“Some contracts even ask that employees inform their managers of any changes in their relationship – really to cover the employer’s back if a disgruntled employee tries to bring a sexual harassment case against the company.
“‘Love Contracts’ may be going too far – they are quite invasive, and have little respect for the employees’ privacy.
“Instead, employers should make sure there is a policy in the staff handbook stating that should an office romance occur, both parties will remain professional. Only around 20% of companies currently have this in their handbook.
“There’s a thin line between protecting your business and overstepping the mark when it comes to employee’s privacy, that employers need to be aware of. The Human Rights Act gives everyone the right to a family and private life, and going too far with a ‘love contract’ could contravene the Act in some circumstances.
“Ultimately, common sense should prevail. With more people spending more time in work, romance is inevitable. The key is to not let that romance affect work in any way.
“Sir Alan Sugar was rightly annoyed with Paul in last week’s episode of The Apprentice, not because of the implied romantic relationship, but because of its possible effect on his business sense and his decisions.
“He let his heart rule his head – and ended up being fired.”
Dos and Don’ts of Office Romance:
- DON’T talk about pay with your partner if he or she has privileged information.
- DO try and be open and upfront with your boss about an ongoing relationship – reassure him or her that it won’t affect your work.
- DON’T bring bad feeling into the office if the relationship breaks down – if it’s impossible to work together, request to move departments or projects.
- DON’T overreact if your employees or colleagues begin a relationship. Everyone is entitled to a private life, only comment if there is a problem with work.
- DO make sure you have a company policy on office relationships.
