MANAGING RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK
Valentine’s Day Edition
Workplace relationships (whether friendships, romances or family ties) are a normal part of working life. While they can boost morale, they also bring risks around conflicts of interest, fairness, and inappropriate conduct. Here’s what employers need to know.
1. Why Have a Workplace Relationships Policy?
A clear policy helps balance employees’ right to a private life with the organisation’s need to manage risks. A good policy should:
Set expectations for professional behaviour.
Outline when employees should disclose relationships (e.g., manager–direct report).
Explain how conflicts of interest will be handled.
Link clearly with conduct, harassment and disciplinary procedures.
Ensure managers receive regular, meaningful training.
2. Avoiding Discrimination
Marriage and civil partnership are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. Employers must ensure policies and decisions don’t treat employees less favourably because of their marital status, intentionally or indirectly.
3. Duty to Prevent Sexual Harassment
Since 26 October 2024, employers must take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. This includes:
Strong policies
Effective training
Safe reporting routes
A further duty to prevent third‑party sexual harassment begins in October 2026, requiring employers to take all reasonable steps to protect staff from clients, customers and suppliers.
Failure to do so can increase tribunal compensation awards by up to 25%.
4. Practical Steps for Employers
Update policies on relationships, conduct and harassment.
Train managers to manage disclosures and complaints confidently.
Promote a respectful culture where issues are addressed early.
Review practices regularly to identify risks.
Final Thought
Relationships at work are inevitable. With thoughtful policies, proactive training and a culture of respect, employers can manage risks effectively and protect both their people and their organisation.
Check out our latest edition of SofaSessions HERE where I covered this topic in greater detail or if you'd like help reviewing or strengthening your policies, our team is here to support you.
