WORKPLACE CONFLICTS     EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION

Singapore - HR needs to be careful of employees falling in love at work because a soured romantic relationship can be detrimental to both parties' work performance.

A recent study from in the book, Office Romance: Love, Power & Sex in the Workplace by author Lisa Mainiero, found 76% of employees are either aware of an office romance or had been involved in one themselves. These romantic entanglements could have negative consequences for the two parties and even affect the colleagues around the couple, says Michael H. Smith, a consultant specialising in workplace conflicts. That's precisely why managers should never shy away if they are aware of an office romance at work, Smith explains.

Smith says, "The best thing [for HR] to do in this situation is to openly discuss it with the two people involved. However, you must approach the participants with sensitivity and empathy."

HR needs to interview the couple separately by asking open-ended questions and allowing them to talk. "Quite often, one or both partners are glad to get it out in the open because they realise they've entered into a difficult situation," Smith says.

After all, survey findings showed only 10% of office romances had resulted in increased coordination, improved teamwork and improved productivity. Another one third said decision-making was slower with declining morale and productivity. If the couple decides to continue the romance, Smith says HR and their direct supervisors must remain focused on their work performance. But make sure the employees are aware of the potential consequences of their relationship and the ways they should exercise caution, Smith says. "If their work performance begins to suffer, they could be reprimanded, transferred or terminated."

It's also important to review the situation periodically with the couple, Smith says, because studies have shown that the woman is twice as likely to be fired as the man when termination occurs. He says, "Be particularly careful that you are not making the woman the scapegoat or you may be faced with a wrongful termination suit."

But according to Smith, office romances will be on the rise because people are spending more time at work. "They don't have the time to socialise outside of work," he says. "They are also attracted to those people who share the same daily successes and stresses as they do."

While some relationships are unplanned, Smith says there are other reasons why people start an affair at work. "Some just want a simple fling with no emotional attachments and some, to be blunt, are just looking for a promotion or a raise."

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