Surveys reveal that 37% of United States employees have dated a co-worker, and 24% of these relationships involved a superior. With U.S. employees aged 25-54 spending an average of 8.9 hours per day at work, it is inevitable that office romance will occur. These statistics are probably not very different in any place where there are employers and employers – that is, in every country. It is critical that a company has policies in place to address these relationships in order to avoid misunderstanding and liability under sexual discrimination and harassment laws. Among the policies a company should establish are detailed sexual harassment policies, “no fraternization” policies, and possibly a “cupid” or “love” contract policy. Depending upon the company’s location and the governing jurisdiction of any potential co-worker relationship, there may be other applicable federal or local laws to address through company policy and procedure.
Legal counsel should be sought not only to draft policies and procedures under governing law, but also to advise on implementation, training, and ongoing management of company employment, discrimination, and harassment policies. Consult an attorney at an Ally Law member firm to assist your company with these important steps to avoid salacious allegations and expensive litigation. Ally Law member firms around the globe have attorneys experienced in all aspects of employment law for any jurisdiction in which your company has a presence. For more information about our services in this area, contact us at yourally@ally-law.com.
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By Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell & Hippel, LLP.
