Subordinates having an affair at the workplace: What should the manager do about it?

Many people find love at the workplace. It is an environment in which we spend a lot of time, so it is not surprising that something more than mere affection can develop between colleagues. However, this is a specific situation that can disrupt teamwork and mutual cooperation. So how should a manager respond to such a situation?

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Take into account the company's internal rules

As HR Review states, many companies have specific internal rules concerning romantic relationships between colleagues. These deal primarily with situations where such affection involving people in certain positions could damage the interests of the company, such as if one employee works in a team responsible for internal auditing and the other in the team to be audited. Or if one is a supervisor to the other.

If the situation somehow falls within these parameters, then act according to the internal rules. Feel free to work with HR; in addition, always discuss the situation with the individuals concerned. If the relationship poses a problem, the situation must be addressed. There are various solutions: transferring one of the employees to another team, moving them to another project, or finding another alternative that somehow eliminates the conflict of interest.

Take action if personal disputes start to interfere with the workflow of your team

It is usually not a problem in itself if two colleagues are romantically involved with each other. What is worse are breakups and other issues that go hand-in-hand with such affairs. If a relationship between colleagues develops into something that negatively affects the team or creates awkwardness at the workplace, the situation again needs to be addressed. Talk to the people involved and try to find a solution that works for everyone. Often they will be helpful, as they will not be happy either in an unpleasant atmosphere.

Sexual harassment or other misconduct must not be tolerated

So far, this article has been about a consensual relationship between two colleagues. However, a very different situation is if you suspect there is sexual harassment or other forms of inappropriate behaviour going on. If you sense this is happening, address the matter immediately, ideally in cooperation with the HR department, company management and, of course, the person whom it concerns.

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Article source HRreview - UK’s leading HR news resource
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