We have started a new segment allowing managers to ask questions that will be answered directly by our CEO, Darcy Swift. This month’s question is:
QUESTION: I recently found out that two of my employees are dating. I found this out because I walked in on them fighting in the break room. While there is no policy put into place that keeps them from dating, their relationship has started to affect the other employees. I have had multiple complaints of them fighting or making up in front of co-workers, making them uncomfortable. Technically what they are doing is not against the rules, what is the best way to address this issues without crossing a line?
ANSWER: When there is no policy in place discouraging relationships among the staff, the go-to policy to use would be “disruption of the workplace”. Depending on what your policy book says, you might want to call both of them into a meeting and address their behavior. Definitely address the disruption their behavior is causing.
You want to be sure to focus on the behavior they are displaying and the handbook description of proper work place behavior, not the relationship. Since there is not a policy saying they cannot date, addressing issues with the relationship will be a violation. However, it is perfectly acceptable to address behaviors that are disrupting the natural flow of the work place.
If you would like to join the conversation, feel free to comment below. If you have a question you would like answered please CLICK HERE to submit it to Darcy Swift. You may have next month’s question.
We have started a new segment allowing managers to ask questions that will be answered directly by our CEO, Darcy Swift. This month’s question is:
QUESTION: I recently found out that two of my employees are dating. I found this out because I walked in on them fighting in the break room. While there is no policy put into place that keeps them from dating, their relationship has started to affect the other employees. I have had multiple complaints of them fighting or making up in front of co-workers, making them uncomfortable. Technically what they are doing is not against the rules, what is the best way to address this issues without crossing a line?
ANSWER: When there is no policy in place discouraging relationships among the staff, the go-to policy to use would be “disruption of the workplace”. Depending on what your policy book says, you might want to call both of them into a meeting and address their behavior. Definitely address the disruption their behavior is causing.
You want to be sure to focus on the behavior they are displaying and the handbook description of proper work place behavior, not the relationship. Since there is not a policy saying they cannot date, addressing issues with the relationship will be a violation. However, it is perfectly acceptable to address behaviors that are disrupting the natural flow of the work place.
If you would like to join the conversation, feel free to comment below. If you have a question you would like answered please CLICK HERE to submit it to Darcy Swift. You may have next month’s question.