In the era of the “Me Too” movement, businesses are reevaluating their policies on workplace relationships. The movement, which gained momentum after the Harvey Weinstein allegations came to light, has sparked conversations about the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment in professional settings. This has raised questions about whether office romances are acceptable, and if so, what rules should be in place.
While completely banning workplace dating is impractical, it’s important for companies to establish guidelines to ensure that office romances don’t lead to legal troubles, decreased productivity, or workplace tension. Patti Stanger, a well-known dating expert, believes that companies should offer a “Modern Day Courtship Class” to educate employees about the do’s and don’ts of office relationships.
Here are six essential rules to help employees navigate office romances:
1. Determine the motivation behind an invitation
When considering an invitation from a coworker, it’s crucial to uncover their intentions. Are they looking to advance their career, seeking a casual fling, or genuinely interested in a relationship? Open and honest communication about expectations is vital to make an informed decision.
