Supervisor Employee Romantic Relationships

Romantic relationships between supervisors and employees creates a great deal of exposure. If it ends poorly, the employee may have a claim of quid pro quo sexual harassment. Even if it continues and thrives, other employees may have a harassment claim if they feel they are being passed over due to the relationship.

You should review your policies. If you do not already have one in place, develop a policy prohibiting relationships (romantic and familial) between supervisors and employees. Outline what relationships are prohibited, the expectation of transparency, and actions to be taken if a situation develops, whether through a new romance or hiring a new employee. You should also create a procedure for employees and supervisors to report their relationships so they can be managed from the beginning.

Taking decisive action when the relationship is exposed and if there are residual complaints will help mitigate your exposure but will not eliminate it. 

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