An affair at work can significantly affect the employee-employer relationship. Although the Labour Code does not strictly regulate this phenomenon, the associated negligence can even lead to disciplinary dismissal. Find out the consequences of an affair in the workplace!
Romance at work – an increasingly common phenomenon
The office, the company premises, the warehouse – regardless of where and what type of work is carried out, during the course of one’s professional duties, relationships between employees are regularly strained. Sometimes we become closer to each other as soon as we start working together, while in other situations the phenomenon takes place after a slightly longer period.
However, as the statistics show, things often pick up and an initially friendly relationship turns into a casual flirtation. An affairin the workplace, according to the results of a survey by YouGov showed that 1 in 5 employees have had an affair at work.
There are many reasons for these situations. Sometimes we spend a lot of time at work with co-workers and feel comfortable enough around them that we want to make this type of relationship intimate. Another reason is the need for a new adventure in one’s life. Havingan affair at work with a married man or woman is a very common occurrence.
Whether it is a boss, employer, supervisor or other co-worker – an affair at work can have many dimensions and is undoubtedly an increasingly common occurrence.
How does an affair start in the workplace?
Sometimes it only takes a few moments for an affair to start. By far the most common way it becomes a reality is because of the time spent together at work, for example while completing projects.
Workplace romance begins through, among other things:
- participation in team-building and company events,
- getting to know your co-worker better and understanding each other,
- casual conversations at casual meetings,
- emotional support in difficult moments,
- mutual understanding,
- spending quality time together and joking
The beginning of such a relationship is always associated with an intensification of the professional relationship and a shift from formal interactions to the private sphere.
What kind of work romances affect employee professionalism?
Establishing closer ties through time spent together is not unusual and does not only happen on a professional level. As long as the intimate relationship does not affect the team atmosphere and the people involved do not neglect the interests of the employer and comply with their work obligations, then the affair should not have a negative impact on the whole.
However, an affair at work often leads to a conflict of interest. Particularly if it is established between the employee and the employer. Such a relationship may, in a meaningful way, violate work regulations. Intimate ties between superiors and subordinates can affect a potential promotion of a lower-ranking person – received unfairly, of course.
This type of lack of work ethic can translate into a loss of productivity for the entire team. In addition, if the relationship between lovers breaks down, then private life can result in, for example, blackmailing the other person or generally spoiling communication.
This is why intimacies between employer and employee can lead to a breach of the company’s rules of coexistence.
What are the legal consequences of an affair in the workplace?
The labour law, does not define precisely the sanctions for an affair between employee and employer and between team partners. However, there are specific provisions under which, in the event of an intimate relationship between employees, the management can take appropriate action.
In addition, many companies and corporations have their own guidelines in place that may prohibit closer relationships between co-workers and, in particular, outlaw an affair at work with the boss.
An affair at work – consequences. What can an employer do?
Many people fear that they are in danger of being fired for having an affair at work. The fear is indeed justified. This is because if rumours of an affair at work are confirmed and the intimate relationship negatively affects the performance of the company and the employees, then the employer can dismiss such individuals.
Other consequences of an affair at work include:
- loss of company confidence,
- poorer working conditions,
- a negative impact on the working atmosphere,
- accusations of nepotism (if the affair is between the employee and the employer),
An affair at work can therefore undoubtedly affect the company. This is why it is so important to follow the rules of coexistence sensibly.
Dismissal for an affair at work vs. employment contract
Even when our form of employment is a contract of employment, the boss can make a dismissal without applying a notice period. This is the case if there are serious breaches of employee duties. We are also threatened with disciplinary dismissal in situations where we have violated company order, for example by having sex at work.
Bullying and harassment
Unfortunately, there are times when an employee affair, and in particular intimate relations between a superior and a subordinate, escalate into harassment or bullying.
If there is sexual harassment against an employee, the employee should first seek help from his or her employer. However, if he or she is the perpetrator, then the matter should be brought before the State Labour Inspectorate or the Ombudsman.
An affair at work and its legal consequences – FAQs
Find out the answers to the most frequently asked questions!
What are the consequences of an affair at work with my boss?
Having an affair with your boss at work can negatively affect your company’s productivity. The morale of co-workers decreases and the intimate relationship itself may also turn into a conflict. From a legal point of view, such violations can even result in disciplinary dismissal.
What are the legal consequences of an affair at work?
UK employment law does not explicitly regulate the provisions regarding an affair at work. However, if the affair results in a serious breach of fundamental employment duties and the quality of the work of the person involved in the affair declines, then termination of employment and disciplinary dismissal may result.
Is it permissible to have an affair with a female colleague?
Of course, the employer has no grounds to interfere with private relationships if they do not affect the functioning of the company and the team. The situation is different when the private sphere clearly impairs employee performance or creates conflicts. Then such relationships can be banned.
How can an employee significantly breach his or her duties?
Such offences include having an affair with the boss, sex at work, official blackmail, etc. The regulation of such behaviour is done through internal regulations or the Labour Code.
What should I do if a co-worker harasses me?
When a person you work with uses sexual harassment against you, you should report it to your boss in the first instance. If this does not work, it is worth asking the State Labour Inspectorate or the Ombudsman for help. It is important to have evidence documenting this type of behaviour.