How to Challenge a Workplace Dating Policy
If you're a couple in the workplace, a workplace dating policy can be a hurdle to climb. Sometimes even if you are following the policy, your co-workers will tell the boss that you're not. Knowing how to challenge a workplace dating policy will help you win your case in front of human resources.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Know what the policy is before you try to challenge it. If you know the policy inside and out, it will make it easier for you to challenge it. Ask for a copy of the policy in advance, preferably before you start dating a co-worker.
-
2
Wait to be confronted about your relationship. In workplaces that don't allow workplace dating and follow strict policies, you will be doing yourself no favors to tell your boss about your relationship, and you will be putting her in a difficult situation. Instead, it's best to keep things quiet until someone approaches you about your relationship.
-
-
3
Meet with human resources and your boss to discuss your relationship. You should be given a chance to talk about the facts. Do not become defensive, and do not lie. If you are violating the company's policy, lying and getting angry will not improve your case.
-
4
Listen to what human resources has to say. If they determine you have crossed the line and want to levy punishments, tell the department manager that you wish to challenge the policy. Lay out your concerns in an organized way and listen to what the department heads have to say.
-
5
Accept the result. Sometimes these conversations will end in a punishment, and other times all parties will reach an understanding. No matter what the resolution is, keep calm and accept your fate. If you do not like the solution and feel you have been discriminated against, consider some legal options by visiting an attorney.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Be prepared. Bring copies of the policy and examples of how you've followed it or why you haven't been able to follow it.
Avoid putting yourself in an awkward situation by not dating in the workplace. If you really want to date another person and the company you work for strictly forbids it, one of you should consider finding another job nearby so that you are not violating any policies.
Don't drag other people into your policy meeting. While it may be unfair that other couples have gotten away with breaking policy, it won't help your case to bring them up at the meeting.
More Like This
Comments
-
Consider bending society's rules, if you don't want to submit to "discipline", for seeing someone after work. Hire a private investigator, along with other unmarried employees. Concentrate on the Human Resources Director, or whoever enforces the draconian policy. Maybe he/she is squeaky clean. Or, maybe he/she cheats on a spouse, takes illegal drugs, or isn't paying taxes, on an outside source of income. If threatened with "discipline", over after work consensual dating, produce the evidence of the H.R. Manager's transgression(s). Tell him/her that you wouldn't want the spouse, police, or I.R.S. to see this. Then assure him/her that you will keep this to yourself, so long as neither you two, or any other dating couple is subject to "discipline". If the transgression is compromising enough, the H.R. Manager will likely cancel discipline, and mind his/her own business, in the future. BTW, I retired from my state Agency, 1 year ago. It did not enforce a "dating ban".
