Modern Tools

Why are consensual relationships complicated at work?

Why are consensual relationships complicated at work?

Consensual Relationship Agreements If done properly, a consensual relationship agreement will make it more difficult for an employee to claim that the relationship was “unwelcome.” In addition, the agreement will create a question about why the employee did not seek to stop the harassment by reporting it to management.

What is a consensual agreement?

If something is consensual, all parties are in agreement that they approve of it. You and your neighbor could have a consensual agreement to share the cost of putting up a fence between your houses. Consensual is related to the English words consensus and consent.

Are there any consensual relationships in the workplace?

Not long ago, consensual relationships at work were fairly common. For example, Bill and Melinda Gates met at Microsoft where she was an employee and he the CEO. Now, more companies are banning all workplace relationships, whether consensual or not. And they’re firing CEOs who violate the new rules.

What do you need to know about consensual relationship agreements?

Consensual Relationship Agreements As an alternative, some employers require that employees enter a “consensual relationship agreement.” The agreement, signed by both employees and management, provides that the employees will not allow the relationship to interfere with or impact the work environment.

Can a supervisor and subordinate have a consensual relationship?

In a consensual relationship between a supervisor and a subordinate, the subordinate often is the recipient of preferential treatment. Employees have asserted claims for sexual harassment based on the theory that they can’t receive the same benefits because they are not “sleeping with the boss.”

Can a consensual relationship lead to sexual harassment?

Romantic consensual relationships at work may be inevitable. But sexual harassment claims often arise from broken relationships. Sexual harassment and consensual relationships are not mutually contradictory. One party may later claim the relationship wasn’t really consensual.

Consensual Relationship Agreements As an alternative, some employers require that employees enter a “consensual relationship agreement.” The agreement, signed by both employees and management, provides that the employees will not allow the relationship to interfere with or impact the work environment.

What happens if you have a consensual relationship with another employee?

If an Employee has a Consensual Relationship with another Employee who is not a subordinate, then he or she shall refrain from participating in or influencing votes or decisions that may reward or penalize that Employee (such as votes or decisions regarding tenure and/or promotion).

Who is responsible for reporting a consensual relationship?

An Employee who is the subordinate Employee in a Consensual Relationship also is encouraged to report that relationship to the Supervisor of the individual with whom he or she is involved.

In a consensual relationship between a supervisor and a subordinate, the subordinate often is the recipient of preferential treatment. Employees have asserted claims for sexual harassment based on the theory that they can’t receive the same benefits because they are not “sleeping with the boss.”