Relationships in the workplace are often positive in nature and allow for employees to enjoy their work experience. It is not uncommon for life-long friendships, romances, or even marriages to be born out of the relationships of coworkers. However, these same relationships can also create a very uncomfortable work environment.
Perhaps the most controversial workplace relationship is the office romance. Detrimental effects of these types of relationships range from sexual harassment suits to retaliatory actions after the breakup to jealousy from coworkers who believe that a person has climbed the corporate ladder by "sleeping his or her way to the top." (Nations Business, Pg 1)
The Society of Human Resource Management surveyed six hundred human resource professionals in 1998. This poll concluded that thirteen percent of employers had a written policy on workplace romance. Fourteen percent claimed that they had a "clear understanding" of expected behaviors even though there was no formal written policy. And the majority, seventy-two percent, had no policy whatsoever. Among those companies that do have a policy, fifty-five percent permit workplace romances but discourage the act. Thirty-two percent do not have restrictions on romance, and seven percent claimed that romance among colleagues is not permitted. (Olian, Pg 1)
Eighty-eight percent of those surveyed expressed fear over the possibility of a sexual harassment claim. Seventy-five percent feared retaliatory actions between parties after the romance is over. And sixty percent were concerned about the morale of coworkers. Other concerns included the fear of lower productivity in the workplace and a feeling of unprofessionalism in an office. (Olian, Pg 1)
As women now constitute forty-six percent of the...
As the preceding survey results indicate, some offices have gone so far as to completely ban this type of interaction. The problem with this knee-jerk type of reaction is that it tends to push office relationships underground. Coworkers will still get involved with one another and everyone will know about it except management. (Your Office or Mine, Pg 1)
In a recent survey of Canadians conducted by Workopolis.com, sixty-three percent of the respondents indicated that they had a workplace romance in the past. However, only fifty-seven percent said that they felt workplace romances were acceptable. (Your Office or Mine, Pg 1)
There are three contributing factors that might lead to problems in the workplace. The first is the possibility of a sexual harassment suit, the second is retaliatory actions and the third is jealousy of other workers.
After a breakup in a small office environment, the possibility of a sexual harassment suit stemming from the romance is an unfortunate reality. An uncomfortable environment for the office staff or even worse, retaliatory actions between the parties can be detrimental to all in the workplace. (Mann, Pg 2)
Employees feeling as if their coworker has an unfair advantage because of their sexual relationship with upper management is common in this situation. Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace, but it might also be interpreted from a sex discrimination point-of-view.
The regulations implementing Title VII recongnize that a cause of action for discrimination against third parties may arise from romantic relationships in the workplace: "Where employment opportunities or benefits are granted…
