Be reasonable
Without a specific policy, you cannot ask employees not to date each other. And even if you could, the prohibition would be difficult to enforce. Do not put yourself in the position of making unreasonable demands on your employees—or yourself.
Be fair
It is critical that you treat all employees exactly the same when dealing with issues of workplace relationships. Even marital status should make no difference in the way your address a problem. Consistency is a key to guaranteeing fair and equal treatment of a diverse workforce. | | | | | Be professional
When you must speak to employees about their behavior, confine your comments to a completely business-related context. Address issues of productivity, performance, and proper workplace conduct. Leave anything personal out of it.
Be discreet
Do not encourage employees to confide personal information with others at the workplace. And remember to keep any confidential information that is entrusted to you strictly to yourself.
Be careful
Do not attempt to implement a policy of your own where none exists. There may well be federal, state, or local laws that apply to these situations and your company must stay in compliance. Consult with company counsel before acting on a difficult or sensitive situation.
Be proactive
Discuss the need for a written policy with upper management and show them how this can prevent both workplace disruption and costly lawsuits. And suggest training for supervisors on the subject.
How to limit workplace relationships
Relationships in the workplace, whether they be of a romantic or purely platonic nature, can be tricky to navigate. We all want to be comfortable in our work environments and forming friendships at work is basic human nature. But what if friendships turn toxic or even worse, a coworker should overstep proper business boundaries? How do we limit workplace relationships? Here are some points to consider: | | | | Remain professional at all times
The number one way to avoid problems with other people at work is maintain a professional decorum every day. This does not mean that you hold yourself aloof from your coworkers, but rather that you make it clear by your behavior that you are first and foremost a professional, and that you take your job very seriously.
Be friendly, but not overly personal with your coworkers. Show people that you are there to accomplish your job. | | | | | Set an example
People who get in trouble at work are generally those who engage in workplace gossip and complain endlessly with coworkers. Avoid getting involved in petty discussions and if you find yourself in the situation, try to steer the conversation into a more positive direction. You can be friendly with people and even engage in friendly conversations, but try not to get entrenched in other people’s problems. | | | | Guard your privacy
Over time, you will become close to certain people with whom you work. There is no avoiding that. From time to time, you will be invited to lunch, company functions and even a night out after work. Socializing with coworkers is a great way to foster teamwork and an important part of business life. But while you socialize, you also need to remember to keep a balance between your private and your work life.
| | Be careful whom you trust
Certainly there will be people in whom you feel comfortable confiding your problems, but be careful whom you trust. The most unwitting comment could be used against you at some point in time.
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Set clear boundaries
If an office relationship appears to be turning a bit more personal than you would like, it is important that you make your boundaries clear. Be sure that what you perceive is, in fact, correct. If a co-worker clearly comes on to you, make sure they know in no uncertain terms that this is not acceptable to you.
If this behavior continues, you may be forced to take more serious action. Never allow an unwanted flirtation to continue unchecked. You could be setting yourself up for much more serious problems. | |
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