We're Just Two Consenting Adults

Post date: Oct 15, 2009 6:16:57 AM

Recently another CEO submitted a letter of resignation after it was revealed he had engaged in a relationship with a subordinate employee. It was determined after an internal investigation this relationship went against the company’s code of conduct policy. In an environment where people spend most of their time with their peers and co-workers than they do with anyone else is this a shock? Is this the relationship between two consenting adults inherently bad? The answer to both of these questions is no. However, it is important that all of your staff know and understand the behaviors expected of each employee in your workplace. Recently conducted HR surveys reveal that most organizations still do not have a written policy in place regarding workplace relationships. It is important for every organization regardless of size to devise a policy and to educate your entire staff about the policy.

The lack of a policy and the lack of proper training exposes your organization to costly litigation tied to lawsuits, potentially higher insurance premiums, and a toxic workforce all due to a relationship going sour.