Okay, so Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, which means it’s time to talk about such things like heart disease/hypertension, the health benefits of chocolate and of course, workplace romances.
This year’s romance research comes from Workplace Options, which finds one in four of us have been in a relationship with a coworker. Nearly nine out of 10 (88%) say PDA is not okay, with 57% going so far as to say public displays of affection should be banned.
That segment clearly does not include young adults, who are much less likely to keep a workplace romance private, and also five times more likely to post their romance status on Facebook. Sheesh … kids today.
Half (51%) of younger workers aged 18-29 see a workplace romance as having positive effects, with the top positive effect being achievement of higher social or professional status at work. Older Americans disagree, with 79% arguing there are no positive effects from entering into a workplace relationship. If there was a positive effect, older workers say that it would be a – ahem – healthier work-life balance. Is that what people are calling it these days?
For all the stats and such, I just have one question: In the big scheme of things, does it really matter if two employees date? I know all you pros who have had to deal with a workplace harassment claim will answer with a loud and definite, “YES!”
But for everyone else, is it that big of a deal? I’m all for having appropriate policies in place to make sure the lovebirds and their coworkers have to work in a culture of responsibility and accountability (as in, keep it off Facebook), but I think that’s enough. Right?
But perhaps not. Let me know what you think.
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2 Comment(s)
Posted by: dbonewell | February 10, 2010 8:19 AM
I think it should be a definate no. To many times people that have a workplace romance can cause issues that you did not discuss. Issues that occur when they are no longer together, issues of jealousy, and the old protective mode.
I have employees who had gotten married and one ended up being accused of domestic violence. We are lucky to have 2 facilities and had to transfer one of the employees because of a restraining order. They are still married, but we have issues of jealousy and arguements outside work that bleed into the workplace.
We addressed these 2 individuals seperately. But in the grand scheme, this is not the first time, so we pledge to make it the last.
It's unfortunate that cases like these are becoming more common and the discreet romances have to be lumped in with the extreme. Employees that keep their romance discreet and seperate from work are taking the punishment along with the extreme.
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Posted by: Scott K | February 10, 2010 7:48 AM
I don't think it's as black and white as a firm yes or no answer.
Some easy ones in the "no" category: - Managers should never date subordinates - Anyone in a position of authority should not use that authority to coerce someone into a relationship - If someone says "no", it means no
I've worked for large, global companies and if you are in different offices, groups, divisions in a big company, I don't think two relative peers starting a relationship is a big deal. If you don't really work together, it's okay.
I now work for a small, 70 employee company and think its an uncomfortable situation because we are like a family. Everyone knows everyone else's business.
I do think if two people start a romance then they should keep it discreet in the workplace.
Personally, in the end, I follow the simple maxim: "Don't get your honey where you get your money!"
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