WORKPLACE

ROMANCE
GROUP 2
 INTRODUCTION:
People at work see each other every day, work together as
teams, sometimes partners, on specific projects. Through this, they
get a sense of fulfillmennt and find encouragement from one
another. Sometimes, people at work get attracted to each other.
 WORKPLACE ROMANCE?

Is define as a relationship between two people

who are employed by the same organization. It is
characterized by mutual attraction between the
parties and a desire for a personal, romantic
relationship.
 T H E C O M PA N Y ’ S S TA N D

The company is trapped in the middle of office and workplace romance present
in the organization. Top management does not want to interfere unduly with their
employees’ personal lives and their right for privacy. Conversely, they don’t want a
workplace where employees are uncomfortable to work. This is why a lot of
companies come up with policies that cover workplace romances and educate all
employees on the guidelines and effect through trainings and seminars.
 BENEFIITS OF WORKPLACE
ROMANCE

Workplace romance offers benefits for the employees in particular

and also for the company in general. These benefits include friendship,
mutual support to each other at work and other personal experiences.
 Employees involved in a loved relationship overcome rough times at
work because of mutual support and inspiration.
 Employees likewise tend to view work as fun even when pressures
begin to pile up.

A survey conducted by AMA (American Management

Association) says that 49 percent of office romances have resulted
to long – term relationships or marriages.
D I S A D VA N TA G E S O F W O R K P L A C E
ROMANCE
 Damaged Professional Reputations

It is likely that having relationships whether in offices or in

any other workplace can damage work reputations. Although
surveys say that two-thirds said their romance revelation by itself
didn’t affect their corporate standing.
 Disturbed Coworkers

The biggest concern is the reaction of coworkers and if

they will support the relationship or not. Even if the relationship is discreet,
coworkers will eventually find out what is happening – time is the only question.
The employees’ reactions are important for the organization. They may have an
idea that favoritism, unfair treatment, and bias may arise from the relationship.

 Changes in Productivity

The change in productivity depends on whether their morale is greatly

affected by the relationship. The time spent on gossiping, attempts
to ruinand sabotage the relationship, and complaints about the
relationship may affect employees’ productivity. It also includes the
aftermath of anoffice or workplace romance that did not work out.
 Dating the Boss

The most disturbing type of romance is one that involves the

supervisor or manager and a subordinate. It is more prone to create a
hostile environment among other subordinates, especially if it goes out-of-
hand resulting to a sexual harassment case. Also, decisions and actions
Relating to employees’ careers will be placed in scrutiny and
inntegrity will be questioned.
 Extramarital Affairs

Extramarital affiars may also occur inside the office and in the
workplace. These are obviously very risky and subject to moral
issues. It is an unfortunate fact of liberal lifestyle that broken homes
and divorces and increasing and one reason points to office romances.
ETHICAL ISSUES OF WORKPLACE
ROMANCE

 Interventions

Workplace romances have always been an issue for companies especially the
question on when it is best for organizations to control romance in the office. Some
companies want torestrict their employees from engaging in office or workplace
romances, but may want to lessen the bad effects. For example, some companies may
allow relationships between coworkers with the same work.
Legal/ Ethical Considerations

There are several legal and ethical issues to consider. If proximity and
repeated disclosures are found, should an organization separate the persons
involved? This could raise some legal issues such as discrimination. Also,
when one or both involved parties are required to leave the company, this risks
legal encounters. Policies regarding office romance need to be decided with
vigilant thought and prudence, in order to respect the rigghts of all members of
the organization.
Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a very delicate subject. Pierce and Aguinis

(1997) have posited that sexual harassment may sometimes arise when a
bad workplace romance is terminated. There are few reasons why this
issue may exist. One of the persons involved in a failed romance may seek
vengeance, may try to revive, or would want to remove the other person
involved. Also, there may be misinterpretation on the part of each party.
One may consider flirting acceptable which may eventually lead to
a romance, while another may consider it offensive and therefore,
aform of harassment. These issues are very sensitive. Bbut, is this a
reason to ban worplace romance from the office? Are there good
effects that will be lost? Is there a way to control this type of
workplace romance? These are questions which need to be
addressed by organizations.