6️⃣Fraternisation
👋 Introduction
The freedom of choosing one’s partner is an individual’s right. But in the workplace, some norms are necessary to create a safe working environment.
1️⃣ Fraternisation among colleagues
We don’t want to place undue restrictions on employees dating colleagues. If you’re in a relationship or initiating a relationship with a colleague, keep these guidelines in mind:
If you’re initiating a relationship, maintain professional behaviour standards. For example, approaching a colleague with the intent of dating them has to be off working hours and outside of office premises.
If you are in a relationship, create a distinction between personal and professional work spaces, be mindful of boundaries and don’t cross them. For example, if colleagues know about the relationship, be intentional if you’d like to talk about it over lunch or in the presence of others.
If a relationship ends, though it might be difficult, the organisational expectation is to compartmentalise and maintain the professional / personal distinction. This includes not badmouthing the other, not stating intent to or acting out in a retaliatory manner.
Disclosing your relationship:
If you are exploring the possibility of a relationship, you don't yet have to disclose, as long as you are at peer levels.
If you are looking to date a senior or a junior, disclose intention to People Ops. This is because dating across seniority levels creates situations of power imbalance, claims of favouritism, conflict of interest etc.
2️⃣ Fraternisation with interns
Be extra mindful of professional boundaries with interns. This is because interns are professionals occupying the workplace for a brief period, who do not enjoy the full benefits available to other members.
Disclose the relationship immediately: Any romantic or intimate relationships that may develop between a staff member and an intern should be immediately disclosed by the staff member to the Directors, with a request to be relieved from any direct or indirect supervisory role.
Failure to disclose a personal relationship with an intern will be treated as a serious violation of professional standards and will invite disciplinary action.
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