Would you have to quit your job if you fell for a co-worker?

A consensual relationship at work has seen the CEO of fast food giant McDonald's step down.

Steve Easterbrook lost his top job after the company's board found he "demonstrated poor judgement" in his relationship with an employee.

The relationship violated the company's policy that forbids managers from having romantic relationships with co-workers.

The British boss tendered his resignation saying the relationship was "a mistake".

Do you know what your workplace romance policy is?

In New Zealand, most companies have very similar policies.

They are in place to protect the work environment, productivity, and individual employees.

Some companies ban all workplace relationships and others just rule out relationships between staff members if one reports to the other.

You can't help who you fall in love with but if complications arise and there is a policy in place your career could be on the line.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts litigation and employment law specialist, Aaron Lloyd, said romance at work, no matter how innocent, could be problematic.

Situations where senior employees put pressure on more junior employees to enter into relationships or to engage in out of work activities, including sexual activities, were most serious and could amount to misconduct.

But even genuinely consensual relationships in the workplace could end up with HR.

"They may create a perception of unfairness in the workplace, or can lead to situations where personal relationships impact on others in the workplace environment or on the work being done," he said.

Employers were entitled to have workplace policies in place prohibiting relationships between employees or requiring employees to disclose relationships.

This was so that steps could be taken to ensure the relationship didn't compromise the business.

A failure to comply with those policies may amount to misconduct or serious misconduct.

However, Lloyd said an employer must follow a fair and proper investigation and disciplinary process before taking action.

This included giving the employee clear and adequate notice of the concerns, allowing them a chance to seek representation or support, and following a process giving the opportunity to respond.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts recommended seeking legal advice if an employer or employee found themselves in a situation where an alleged relationship was creating workplace issues.


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So what should you do if you find love or lust at work?

In New Zealand, it is thought about 15 percent of long term relationships start at work.

Other evidence suggests around 52 percent of people have indulged in a work romance or office fling.

If sparks do fly at work keep these guidelines in mind to keep your career on track.


Know your company's policy on co-worker dating.

Some have strict policies, especially if there is a reporting line.

Even if dating isn't banned keep your professional role in mind, and don't share confidential information during pillow talk.

Don't let alcohol cloud your judgment.

Keep yourself in check at after-work happy hours.

A casual hookup with a co-worker can be more devastating to your career than a long-term relationship that goes bad.

Talk about it. If you cant help yourself speak to the other person about the risk and what will happen if you break up.

Would one of you have to leave if things went bad - and who would that be.

No displays of affection at work.

It will make others uncomfortable and is not professional.

Keep the flirting for after-hours.

Do be upfront with HR if things get serious.

You don't need to tell your boss the details of your first date but if you and your co-worker get serious it's best to let your supervisor and HR know.

Your assignments may change so you are not in direct contact with each other or your company may get you to sign a waiver to say the relationship is consensual.

Don't sneak around. Don't try and keep things a secret.

It's better to be upfront with people than become the subject of gossip.