I've started a relationship with a colleague. Will my employer have a problem with this?

Recent surveys have indicated that many relationships start at work; not surprising perhaps, as people spend so much of their time there. Although this rarely causes any serious problems at work, some employers clearly feel that there are potential risks and have drawn up policies for dealing with the issue. Some are more draconian than others; most are aimed at ensuring that any difficulties do not spill over into work relations, either between the couple or affecting other colleagues.

Occasionally, relationships at work can lead to other problems, for example, one half of a couple may think that the other is spending too much time with a particular client and may try to interfere, to the detriment of the business. Few employers actually seek to ban workplace relationships altogether, though there have been occasions when this has happened. Problems are most likely to occur where one partner is in a position of authority over the other at work. Employers sometimes fear that this will affect normal workplace discipline.

Our advice is to check your contract and staff handbook, and make sure you understand any specific policies in your company. Speak to your union if you think the rules are over the top or intrusive. Try to keep your love life separate from your work life as far as possible and try not to let any problems with your partner spill over into work activities. Doctor/nurse romances are the stuff of popular novels and soaps but not such fun if they are going on over your sick bed, so bear the customers or consumers in mind too.