A recent viral video of a former Astronomer CEO and HR chief’s romance has sparked conversation about office romances and their potential risks. According to experts, companies should consider implementing “love contracts” and clear disclosure policies to manage conflicts of interest.
Trial attorney Misty Marris explains that romantic relationships in the workplace can lead to significant risk, particularly when they go wrong. The issue is largely related to power dynamics, with employees being subordinate to managers or high-level executives.
Mita Mallick, a workplace strategist, agrees, stating that if an employee has influence over someone’s compensation, performance evaluation, and promotion opportunities, it creates a conflict of interest. This can compromise the ability to act impartially, leading to concerns about fairness and neutrality.
To mitigate these risks, Marris recommends clear policies requiring disclosure of office romances. If a relationship is disclosed, HR would assess associated risks and make necessary changes. This could include reassigning employees or bringing in outside counsel to investigate complaints.
While this approach may not be feasible for smaller businesses, Marris emphasizes the importance of having policies in place that require transparency from employees. “Banning office romances might seem practical, but it’s not,” she says. Instead, companies should aim to manage risk by establishing guidelines and protocols for handling relationships within the workplace.
Experts agree that clear communication and transparency are key to avoiding conflicts and ensuring a fair work environment.
Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/legal-expert-explains-why-companies-need-love-contracts-after-viral-ceo-hr-romance-scandal