How relationships at work are a sign of a non-toxic, healthy workplace

One psychologist has suggested that workplaces should allow connections such as friendship and love to flourish between workers instead of operating a nanny-state.

Speaking with HR Leader, Indeed workplace psychologist Amanda Gordon (pictured) reflected on how the existence of romantic relationships at work can reflect a non-toxic, healthy workplace environment.

Romance begins with getting to know someone and finding a connection, Gordon said, with the time colleagues spend together in the workplace making it possible for romantic relationships to form.

“That is one of my great concerns about working from home: the loss of opportunity for both social connection and even these deeper connections that can come from being in a workplace,” Gordon said.

Risks of a conflict of interest or exploitation

Although connection is important in sustaining us, Gordon said, when a co-worker is romantically unattainable, like in the case of a junior pursuing someone in senior leadership, things will have to change for it to be an appropriate relationship, such as one of the colleagues leaving the organisation, to avoid conflict of interest.

“It’s a conflict of interest if it interferes with work … if they are putting the person ahead of the needs of the company,” she said.

“Another thing about power and relationships is such that if someone is your boss or you are in a very senior position and your relationship gets closer and deeper, there is a risk of exploitation or of manipulation that can be dangerous for the individual and the workplace.”

Dealing with relationships in the workplace

Gordon said workplaces should provide workers with opportunities to connect for friendships or love to develop naturally. “Managed properly, it can be very good for the workplace,” she said when asked about romantic relationships in the workplace.

She said workplaces need protection from conflicts of interest and sexual harassment, but not from building strong connections that might fall into romantic relationships.

“HR departments have to acknowledge that if the workplace is healthy, then people are going to be making connections with each other, and some of them may blossom further,” Gordon said.

That can be seen as a sign of a good working environment, lacking in toxicity, and being healthy and happy [place] for people to work.”