Workplace love gets contracted
Recently, we discussed dating co-workers on this blog, and apparently, we aren't the only ones who are wary about jumping into a workplace relationship. On the radio recently, a discussion was brought up about "Love Contracts" that more than a few companies were enforcing to protect themselves in case a relationship between two employees sours.
When I heard that, two thoughts crossed my mind — 1. How horrifying to have to include a third party, especially an employer, in your personal relationship, and 2. How smart those employers are to have such contracts. Seriously, people go crazy in relationships (think the recent astronaut debacle) and employers need protection against possible lawsuits.
I decided to do a quick Google search, and found one law office with just such contract. It's fairly straight forward, and only asks that the two people in a relationship notify human resources when the relationship starts and if it ends, avoid indiscretions at the office and consider transferring if the relationship includes a manager-type and his employee.
As I said, I think it's smart. Do you agree? And would you sign one if you found yourself in that situation?
When I heard that, two thoughts crossed my mind — 1. How horrifying to have to include a third party, especially an employer, in your personal relationship, and 2. How smart those employers are to have such contracts. Seriously, people go crazy in relationships (think the recent astronaut debacle) and employers need protection against possible lawsuits.
I decided to do a quick Google search, and found one law office with just such contract. It's fairly straight forward, and only asks that the two people in a relationship notify human resources when the relationship starts and if it ends, avoid indiscretions at the office and consider transferring if the relationship includes a manager-type and his employee.
As I said, I think it's smart. Do you agree? And would you sign one if you found yourself in that situation?
posted by Anonymous at 12:53 PM
6 Comments:
Wow. That seems ... extreme. If I knew I had to sign a contract if I started dating a co-worker, I certainly would never date a co-worker. (But maybe that's what they're actually going for.)
I don't know that it would be really necessary for companies to have such a contract, though. If two people dated and conducted themselves in a professional manner, then all would be well. If problems arise, then a supervisor needs to have a talk with the couple. If problems aren't resolved, then the parties are putting their jobs at stake. Plain as that.
I think it is a little rediculous because at what point do you notify HR? Your first date? First kiss? What defining event?
I've been approached by quite a few of my coworkers, although none that I directly work with. I politely rejected quite a few, based mainly on working "with" them. Now, I ignored that part for someone who was just flat out more appealing. The work drama is inevitable, but we both have talked about keeping it down.
If it was someone who worked in the same building as me, one of us would be expected to transfer to another program. Just sort of an understood rule, I vaguely remember being told that during training. Kind of thought it was silly, but in the few interactions I've had with the guy I want at work, I can see why. It's just hard to separate! No contract involved though, and I agree with Rose... if there was, I'd probably wouldn't bother.
Hot topic for me, I'm curious what others have to say:)
That's a really good point, Becki. When do you get HR involved? How embarrassing for either of the people to jump the gun, tell HR and than the relationship be over before it starts. All you are left with then is a bunch of rumors.
But, although I think it is smart to protect oneself, it further firms my belief that workplace romances just might not be worth all the hassle!
I think that while it might be extreme, it might also be a good thing.
I think it makes both parties remember that they're still in a work environment, and relationship or not, they still have a job to do.
Does no one watch 'The Office'. They had a whole episode on this not too long ago. Of course it was funny as hell.
I don't have cable, so the only channel I get is Fox, plus I'm never home anyway. I wonder if that episode is online ... What network is it anyway? I'd like to watch it.
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