Workplace Romance and Single People (2)
It establishes that the relationship is consensual, that the couple won’t engage in favoritism, and that neither person will take legal action against their employer or each other if the relationship ends.
Disclosure to HR and an employee’s direct supervisor I mandatory. If you’re involved romantically with a boss or subordinate, Kyohei, then immediately disclose the relationship to HR and ask for a supervisor re-assignment. But if you’re dating a peer, which is considered less risky or problematic than dating someone at a different job level, it’s up to you to tell anyone beyond HR.
I imagine some people might resent what they see as interference in their private lives.
Good point. A&A tries to balance such concerns with the need to make sure the workplace functions smoothly and that there aren’t problems like favoritism.
Of course, it’s natural that people who find themselves in close contact with each other sometimes fall in loves. Still, it’s important for workers to be aware of the potential implications. Unfortunately, not all love stories have a happy ending. Employers need to be aware of how that can potentially affect the company.
Office romance may feel like less of a gamble amid the rise in remote work, as people are away from the watchful eye of their colleagues and bosses. More office relationships are actually taking place online these days.
