Dear Career Advisor:

Can I be terminated for having a workplace romantic relationship?My partner, who is a junior staff member, and I have been in love for a few months now. We have been very discreet with our relationship. We have agreed on boundaries and have done our best to avoid actions that might be seen as improper. During the recent holidays my boss saw us at a location out of town. The following day, he confronted me about it and issued a veiled threat, saying he will do everything to avoid the company being sued for discrimination.Can either of us be terminated for being in love? What’s wrong with workplace relationships, anyway?

Yours,

DMC

Dear DMC:Although it is commendable that you and your partner have been discreet with your relationship you should be sure to double-check your company’s policies to see whether or not there are guidelines forbidding or discouraging same. Otherwise, your employer would be hard-pressed to prove justifiable cause for termination as you should not suffer termination purely for having a romantic relationship in the workplace unless it can be proven that the relationship is:• in breach of explicit rules addressing same• affecting your performance on the job or that of other employees• engendering the perception by stakeholders or clients of lack of trust or integrity in the organisation.Traditionally, employers have frowned on romantic relationships among staff because of the possible negative effects they can have on the operation, which might include:• Perception of decline or compromise in productivity• Breakdown in team relationships and teamwork• Loss of confidence in unbiased supervisor/subordinate relations• Unfair or preferential treatment during performance appraisals• Home conflicts spilling into workplace• Potential liability if one party makes a charge of sexual harassment or discrimination.Romantic relationships in the workplace have the potential to affect not only perception, but reality too. Hence, the caution to avoid them. If you are both in the same office or department with differential lines of authority, including supervisory/subordinate relations, it will be difficult to avoid the negative perceptions. Bear in mind as well that if the relationship fails, you both might find it challenging to work together in the same environment. Notwithstanding, some people in relationships have experienced no problem working at the same place or even in the same office.Have a frank talk with your boss about the matter. 

Sincerely, 

Career Advisor 

Carolyn Marie Smith is associate vice-president, Student Services at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Manchester. Submit your questions to her at

careeradvisor@ncu.edu.jm