Relationships at work
Workplace relationships are common, given the amount of time that colleagues can spend together while at work.
However, a personal relationship at work can result in problems, and many employers choose to have a policy 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 policy could stress that employees must not allow a personal relationship with a colleague to influence their conduct at work, and include a requirement to disclose to the employer any work relationship that may give rise to a conflict of interest. Line managers can be given guidelines on managing personal relationships at work.
‘Black and white minstrel’ worker wins racial harassment appeal
An employee who dressed as a “black and white minstrel” at a work Christmas party and sung a “racist” song...
One in three say their employer won’t consider culture improvements
A third of staff think their employer is “stuck in its ways” and won’t consider how to improve its culture...
Three quarters of people want less physical contact at work
Three quarters of UK workers (76%) want the amount of physical contact they experience in the workplace reduced, while 42%...
Understaffing increases work-related stress, survey finds
Colleagues, especially a lack of them or if they’re not pulling their weight, are the biggest causes of work-related stress,...
Ted Baker revamps HR policies after sexual harassment investigation
Ted Baker is bolstering its HR policies to ensure acceptable workplace conduct following an investigation into “forced hugging” and other...
‘People wouldn’t admit they worked here’: Transforming Morecambe NHS trust
Furness General Hospital hit the headlines in 2013 following a number of tragic baby deaths in its maternity unit. Ashleigh...
Better working conditions needed to improve chef retention
Chef training and working conditions need to be reformed to help restaurants retain the estimated 10% of chefs that leave...
Why diversity isn’t the real key to innovation
While diversity is usually regarded as vital to a more innovative organisation, new ideas only come forward when employees feel...
Solicitor who endured ‘dreadful’ working conditions banned for dishonesty
A solicitor who misled a client about the progression of her case has been...
Generation Z want to work in a ‘fun’ environment
Two-thirds (65%) of Generation Z employees – those aged 18-24 – look for a “fun” working environment when assessing whether...
Improve wellbeing by becoming ‘conversationally intelligent’
Workplace conversations happen all the time of course, but “good” conversation – talking that makes change happen or calms conflict...
How workplace mediation reduced conflict and stress during Barts hospital merger
Workplace mediation can prevent conflict at work leading to disciplinary problems or sickness absence, but awareness is low in many...
Why employers should address loneliness in the workplace
With many employees feeling socially isolated at work, there are many ways employers can help prevent loneliness in the workplace,...
Reputational damage: six preventative measures for employers
How can employers ensure reputational damage is kept to a minimum?
Valentine’s Day: 10 potential problems with workplace romances
Can employers have rules on personal relationships at work? Is it harassment for a worker to ask a colleague out...
