Companies may require 'romantic agreements' to address concerns arising from workplace romances, as highlighted by a legal expert following a high-profile CEO-HR romance scandal.
In the world of business, office romances can often be a delicate matter. A trial attorney and legal analyst, Misty Marris, suggests that the best approach is not to ban such relationships outright, but to manage the associated risks effectively.
Recent events have shed light on this issue, with a viral video showing the former CEO of Astronomer, Andy Byron, and the company's former chief people officer, Kristin Cabot, cuddling at a Coldplay concert. Kristin Cabot, who is also the head of Privateer Rum, was already separated from Andrew Cabot, the CEO of Privateer Rum, before the scandal.
When romantic relationships in the workplace are disclosed, human resources, in conjunction with general or outside counsel, would assess the risks associated with the relationship and make changes where necessary. For instance, if an individual in human resources has a relationship with an employee, it compromises their ability to act impartially. In such cases, outside counsel may be retained to investigate a complaint or employment-related issue if there is a question about neutrality. If there is a conflict of interest, the human resources representative may be removed from handling or conducting investigations involving certain employees.
Marris advises that the best way for employers and employees to avoid a catastrophe is to ensure there are policies in place that require disclosure and transparency. These policies, sometimes referred to as "love contracts", can help prevent misunderstandings and protect both parties involved.
If romantic relationships in the workplace go wrong, they can lead to significant risk. Regardless of who is involved, they can be considered "thorny" from a legal liability standpoint. Employers can combat these issues by having clear policies about disclosure, as suggested by Marris.
In larger companies, such structures work better in managing office romances, but they can be more challenging for smaller or middle market businesses. For these businesses, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the potential risks and to have policies in place to mitigate them.
In the tech industry, Gwyneth Paltrow has taken on the role of a temporary spokesperson for a tech company. Despite such high-profile cases, it is clear that office romances require careful handling, and employers must strive to ensure a fair and neutral environment for all employees.
