HomeMy WebLinkAbout0808 Dating Relationships at Work123
808 Dating / Relationships at Work
(1) Supervisors are strictly prohibited from having romantic relationships with
their subordinates.
(2) When a conflict-of-interest or potential risk is identified due to a City
employee’s relationship with a co-worker, the Department will work with the
parties involved to consider options for resolving the problem. The initial
solution may be to make sure the parties no longer work together on matters
where one is able to influence the other or take action for the other. Matters
such as hiring, firing, promotions, performance management, compensation
decisions and financial transactions are examples of situations that may
require reallocation of duties to avoid any actual or perceived reward or
disadvantage. In some cases, other measures may be necessary, such as
transfer of one or both parties to other positions or departments. If one or
both parties refuse to accept a reasonable solution, such refusal will be
deemed a voluntary resignation.
(3) During working time and in working areas, employees are expected to
conduct themselves in an appropriate workplace manner that does not
interfere with others or with overall productivity.
(4) During nonworking time, such as lunches, breaks, and before and after work
periods, employees engaging in personal exchanges in non-work areas
should observe an appropriate workplace manner to avoid offending other
workers or putting others in an uncomfortable position.
(5) Employees are strictly prohibited from engaging in physical contact that
would in any way be deemed inappropriate in the workplace by a
reasonable person while anywhere on City premises, whether during
working hours or not.
(6) Employees who allow personal relationships with co-workers to adversely
affect the work environment will be subject to disciplinary policy, including
counseling for minor problems. Failure to change behavior and maintain
expected work responsibilities is viewed as a serious disciplinary matter.
(7) Employee off-duty conduct is generally regarded as private, as long as such
conduct does not create problems within the workplace. An exception to this
principle, however, is romantic or sexual relationships between supervisors
and subordinates.
(8) Failure to cooperate in trying to resolve a conflict or problem caused by a
romantic or sexual relationship between co-workers or among managers,
supervisors or others in positions of authority in a mutually agreeable
fashion may be deemed insubordination and result in disciplinary action up
to and including termination.
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(9) The provisions of this policy apply regardless of the sexual orientation of the
parties involved.
(10) Where doubts exist as to the specific meaning of the terms used above,
employees should make judgments based on the overall spirit and intent of
this policy.
(11) Any concerns about the administration of this policy should be addressed
to the Human Resources Director.
(12) Definitions:
A “dating relationship” means a frequent, intimate association primarily
characterized by the expectation of affectional involvement. The term
specifically includes any form of sexual intercourse. This term does not
include a casual relationship or an ordinary fraternization between two
individuals in a business or social context.
Intimacy is defined as:
1. An act or expression serving as a token of familiarity, affection, or the
like: or
2. An amorously familiar act; liberty: or
3. Sexual intercourse.
Effective 06/16/2021