Put in place a policy on personal relationships at work
Key points
Work relationships are normal and, in many cases, will not present a problem.
However, in the event of a relationship resulting in problems that impact on the workplace, it is advisable for employers to create and implement a set of policy guidelines on relationships at work. These should strike a balance between employees' right to a private life and the employer's right to protect its business interests.
The guidelines might stipulate that employees should not allow a personal relationship with a colleague to influence their conduct at work, and include a requirement for disclosure of any work relationship that may give rise to a conflict of interest or breach of confidentiality.
