Laurie Jessome was quoted in the article titled “Kiss Cam Scandal Highlights Need for Clearer Office Romance Policies,” published by Human Resources Director (HRD).
The issue of office romance policies, writes Lauren Johnson, “is gaining attention after Astronomer’s Chief People Officer and Chief Executive Officer were caught on a kiss cam at a Coldplay concert – exposing an affair that apparently hadn’t been disclosed. The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of how companies manage romantic relationships at work – especially those involving senior leadership.”
Says Laurie: “Failing to disclose a workplace relationship can severely undermine an employer’s ability to respond to harassment or discrimination claims.”
Laurie goes on to note that consistency, communication, and credibility are key to an effective policy: “If you have not properly communicated your expectations to your employees, it’s harder to discipline them when they engage in behaviour that you think is inappropriate.”
Laurie also looks at how companies can handle fallout and protect a culture of trust after a breach.