Consensual romantic relationships at work may increase the risk of which issue?

Consensual romantic relationships in the workplace can complicate dynamics and potentially lead to issues of sexual harassment. Even if the relationship is consensual, perceptions from colleagues can shift. For example, others might view the relationship as creating favoritism or may question the professionalism of the individuals involved. If the relationship ends or if it becomes known that one party is unhappy, there is a risk that one party may make allegations of unwanted advances or harassment, even if initially consensual.

Moreover, if one of the parties is in a position of power over the other, this can create a dangerous dynamic where the balance of power is skewed, increasing the likelihood of perceived or actual pressure in the relationship. This can escalate to claims of harassment, either from the parties involved or from coworkers who feel uncomfortable or believe that workplace policies are being violated.

This underscores the importance of establishing clear policies regarding workplace relationships, including the necessity for disclosure and the management of conflicts of interest to mitigate the risks associated with romantic involvement within the workplace.