The Good or Not so Good, Old Office Romance

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Office relationships can present a number of challenges for employers, as discovered by Mr Turnbull with his member from New England, being embroiled in such a romance.

Challenges are not just faced by parties in the relationship, but extends to how the relationship impacts on the workplace environment, both while the relationship is ongoing, and if or when it comes to an end.

In an attempt to minimise any adverse action in the workplace, are there actions that employers need to take?

In the eyes of employment law realm, there is a real tension between an employer intruding on activities of its employees when undertaken in private, and an employer seeking to protect its reputation by preventing outside of work conduct interfering with the workplace. The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has restricted the employer’s ability to terminate employment contracts for conduct outside of work. Dismissal for such conduct is restricted to conduct that is likely to cause serious damage to the employment relationship between the employer and employee.

Therefore, a consensual workplace relationship may not, in itself be grounds for dismissal. Recent cases highlight that relationships, or sexual conduct, between employees has the potential to undermine the employment relationship and therefore be grounds for dismissal.

What should employers do to minimise any adverse effect these relationships may have on the workplace.

In the context of the Sexual Discrimination Act, the protection for employers is focused on taking reasonable steps. This will involve steps such as well communicated policies and complaint handling processes, and warnings given to employees about the consequences of offending conduct.

Furthermore, employers should focus on the removal of conflicts of interest and any abuse of power, rather than a purely defensive mechanism giving a total ban on employee relationships. Senior staff engaging in a relationship with junior staff should be treated with greater care than a relationship between junior staff.

Finally, this potentially means, the most effective tool is to disclose, so that employers can manage any issues on a case by case basis.

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Raea Khan Circle
Director Lawyer
Raea Khan

Raea is Managing Director and Principal Lawyer for PBl Law Group. Raea assists clients with major projects, property developments, construction and strata law.

He has worked in Western Australia and Queensland assisting with expansion projects in the energy and resource sector and now predominately advises clients in Strata and Community Association matters.

He is a member of the Australian College of Strata Lawyers where majority of his work is advising developers and owners corporations with dispute related minor and major defects, strata governance and common property litigation. He is proficient at leading negotiations and meetings.

Raea has a particular interest in the commercial aspect of any dispute and always tries to weigh up the risk, reward and benefit of legal proceedings at each different stage.

Raea enjoys all forms of competitive sport, including Crossfit and actively participates in Triathlons, representing Australia as an age group athlete. He was a member of Red Head Surf Lifesaving club.

  • Strata Law
  • Construction & Major Projects
  • Commercial and Business Law
  • Planning & Environment Law