How to Handle an Office Romance Between Two Employees

When Cupid's arrow strikes two employees, it can create a delicate and somewhat confusing atmosphere around the office. As a manager overseeing the employees, your focus needs to remain on the "office" rather than the "romance."

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Stress Relief Products

1. Stay out of it, from a management perspective, if possible. Rules against office romance tend to be counterproductive and unenforceable.
2. Deal with the romance as it relates to work-related issues only.
3. Wait for employees to bring the matter to your attention. Focus on how it is affecting work-related behavior.
4. Recognize that an affair between co-workers at the same level has different implications than an affair between a manager and a subordinate.
5. Talk to the supervisor if there is an affair between a supervisor and a subordinate that is creating problems in the workplace, such as resentment by other subordinates.
6. Arrange to transfer the supervisor, not the subordinate, if necessary.
7. Focus on office behavior if a nasty breakup results in the two ex-lovers being unprofessional in the workplace.
8. Terminate both employees if their behavior continues to disrupt the workplace.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid having either employee confide in you about the romance. Switch the subject if the matter comes up.
• Too much interest in an employee's private life can be construed as an invasion of privacy. Focus on professional issues only.