7 common questions about workplace romance | The Way We Work, a TED series
Benefits of implementing workplace relationship policies
The benefits of having a workplace relationship policy include:
What is a workplace relationship policy?
An organization’s policy on romantic relationships at work is known as a workplace relationship policy, also known as a fraternization policy, dating policy, workplace romance policy, or a non-fraternization policy. The policy specifies whether or not coworker relationships are permitted, what actions must be taken if employees are involved, and the expectations for employees who are in romantic relationships. HR managers should ensure that all staff members read and comprehend the workplace relations policy, which should be kept in the employee handbook.
How to create a workplace relationship policy
Here are steps to write an effective workplace relationship policy:
1. Determine the companys stance on workplace relationships
Speak with business owners and other stakeholders to establish a clear position on relationships at work, including:
Relationships between employees from the same level or different departments are frequently permitted at a company. Due to potential conflicts of interest and favoritism, managers should generally avoid dating their direct reports.
2. Consult with legal experts
Consider bringing in a legal expert to advise your company because workplace relationship policies are delicate and important. This can guarantee that you include all essential legal provisions in a policy to shield your business from legal action.
3. Write a draft
Compose a draft of your workplace relationship policy. You can look online for templates or create one from scratch. Your policy should include the following elements:
4. Consider a relationship contract
Some businesses’ workplace relationship guidelines include a relationship contract. These contracts are designed for employees in a relationship. It states that the relationship is mutually agreed upon, that both parties are aware of the company’s expectations, and that neither will act negatively toward the other should the relationship end.
5. Get feedback
Share your draft workplace relationship policy with other HR team members and company executives for review once it has been completed. Your organization’s leadership team should ensure they comprehend and support the policy in addition to checking for simple spelling and grammatical errors. Before sharing the document with employees, make any changes that the executives request and send it back to them for final approval.
6. Distribute the policy
Add your workplace relationship policy to your employee handbook. You might want to send the policy to all staff members informing them of the changes if the policy is new or if it has been updated. You can distribute hard copies of the policy to all employees via delivery of an email.
7. Review the policy with staff members
Think about having an employee meeting to go over the workplace relationship policy. You could request that workers sign a form attesting to their attendance at the training, comprehension of the rules, and commitment to following them.
For new employees, go over the policy during their onboarding. You could also ask them to consent by signing a document.
8. Encourage open communication
To build trust and respect between HR and team members, encourage your employees to communicate with HR in an open and sincere manner. Be understanding and patient when meeting with employees. This can help ease the awkwardness of discussing sensitive topics.
Workplace relationship policy example
You can use this sample workplace relationship policy as a template to draft your own.
Example
This policy’s objective is to describe our organization’s guidelines regarding romantic relationships at work.
*Scope: This policy addresses both appropriate and improper workplace interactions and behaviors, as well as relationships between managers and employees. *.
*Policy specifics: We acknowledge that relationships between coworkers can exist in the workplace, and we do not forbid relationships between coworkers from the same professional level or from different departments. We ask that the parties involved notify HR. All employees should conduct themselves professionally at all times and avoid talking about personal issues at work. Employees should refrain from any conduct that is distracting, disruptive, or inconsistent with the culture and values of our company. *.
Relationships between managers and direct reports is strictly prohibited.
Any form of discrimination and harassment in the workplace is expressly forbidden by us, and any employees who engage in such behavior will be fired.
FAQ
What are the rules on relationships in the workplace?
Relationships between people who are inherently in unequal positions, where one party has actual or perceived power over the other in their professional roles, may not be appropriate at work and are strongly discouraged.
What are the 3 types of workplace relationships?
They are either professional, personal or a mixture of both. These connections may also improve job satisfaction and the general atmosphere or culture of the workplace, depending on the position or title of either party.
What is a relationship policy?
Workplace romances are discouraged. Employees cannot work in the same department, report to one another, or be of significantly different ranks if they become involved. Couples must act professionally and refrain from acting like a couple while at work.
