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.