Office affairs are more prevalent than employers think, with many surveyed Americans admitting they have had one or would if the opportunity presented itself. Such relationships are a headache for employers as they could add unnecessary complications to the working environment.
Employers cannot adjudicate personal disputes between employees after a relationship ends, although it can create a toxic, hostile working environment for the parties and their coworkers. Here is what employees should know when indulging in an office affair:
Comply with policy
Many corporations are including clauses about consensual relationships in their code of conduct, according to sexual harassment attorneys on the USAttorney directory. While their policies do not necessarily ban workplace relationships, they do place limits on the practice. For example, employees might need to disclose their relationship to the company and declare a conflict of interest.
Additionally, most companies forbid managers from engaging in relationships with any employee who reports to them as it creates a power imbalance that could lead to sexual harassment allegations.
Anyone in a workplace relationship should consult the company’s induction manual and policies to determine their employer’s expectations. Many people might argue that affairs of the heart are not the company’s business, but they could significantly impact an organization’s productivity, financial outlook, and reputation. Non-compliance could result in employment termination.
Do not flaunt it
Workplace relationships work better when both parties are discreet. While others might know about the relationship, unwarranted PDAs (public displays of affection) and flirtation are unnecessary. They make everyone around the couple feel awkward and uncomfortable.
Maintaining professional behavior while at work is essential for career success, and indulging in in-jokes, private conversations, and touching will not accomplish that. Indeed, it will make coworkers feel excluded and lead to resentment. Couples should not create a romantic bubble at work that prevents them from interacting with others. They will isolate themselves from their colleagues, placing a greater strain on interpersonal relationships.
Agree on an approach
The behavior mentioned before is unacceptable in a workplace, and both partners must decide how to approach their relationship while at work. A clear discussion about boundaries at work is advised, so both parties know what to expect. This is an essential component of showing respect for each other and those around them.
Their approach should include distinguishing between their professional and personal lives. This allows them to determine what they should or should not do while at work.
Monitor behavior
What sets most people’s teeth on edge about workplace relationships is people getting special treatment. This typically happens when a supervisor is involved with a subordinate. They might treat their other employees differently from their partner. This could include giving their partner preferential treatment, awarding them extra time off, or giving them pay increases.
While most companies strongly discourage managers from dating people that report to them, it can and does happen. The supervisor must monitor their behavior and ensure they do not favor their partner while treating others unfairly. It could lead to other employees lodging complaints that could cost a manager their job.
Prepare for a breakup
No one goes into a relationship wanting it to end, but many romances do not last. When the breakup happens, people feel bitter and betrayed. This leads to uncharacteristic behavior, such as passing snide remarks, sabotaging the other party, or stalking them.
These challenges are bad enough in a private context but worse in a working environment. Both parties must remain professional if the relationship ends as their toxic behavior would affect others and create an unpleasant atmosphere for everyone. Therefore, they should avoid airing their dirty laundry in public or gossiping.