Workplace romances
Romance in the workplace. Think about it. How much time do we spend in the workplace environment? How much time do we spend traveling with members of our organization staying at the same hotel, attending conferences, training, project work, etc.? The workplace is a hub for romantic relationships. One of my favorite shows is NBC’s “The Office”. Take note of what they do with the subject of workplace romance. It can be funny but for individuals and organizations it can be both terrific and tragic. We’re just starting to explore this subject in our Community Television series on “avoid, prevent, resolve conflict” but I’m already fascinated by the subject. From a conflict resolution professionals perspective it can cover areas like the consequences to individuals of a failed romantic break-up involving children and from an organizations perspective it can involve claims of sexual harassment and from both individual and organization it can involve conflicts of interest. Romances in the offices can be lateral, involving peers, or it can be hierarchical, like boss and subordinate. It can involve issues dealing with productivity, motivation, favoritism, and it can be consensual or unwelcome or it can start as welcome and wind up acrimonious. Office romance can be hidden, discrete, in the open, or rumor driven. Individual romance can impact an entire group. Office romances can break up families – the discovered letter, photograph, gift, or actual encounter.
Organizations tackle the realities of workplace romance through education, policies, procedures, use of experts, or by viewing them as the responsibility of individual employees. Sexual harassment claims can have serious consequences to organizations. They can be costly. Given the realities of most workplaces, putting people in close proximity with others who share common interests in an already collaborative setting create an environment where romance can flourish, but likewise make it difficult to disengage. Conflict resolution professionals can play constructive roles in dealing with the issues faced by the individuals themselves and between individuals and their organizations. One key aspect of our involvement in this area is to be cognizant about linkages in workplace romances between individuals and organizations.
