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As the modern workplace becomes increasingly collaborative and socially connected, personal relationships between colleagues are more common than ever. While these connections can foster a positive culture, they can also create challenges around professionalism, impartiality, and legal compliance. That’s why more UK employers are recognising the value of a dedicated ‘Relationships at Work’ policy: a proactive step to protect both employees and the business.

Why a ‘Relationships at Work’ Policy Matters

Personal relationships at work, whether romantic, familial, or close friendships, can lead to conflicts of interest, perceptions of favouritism, or even claims of harassment or discrimination if things go wrong. Without a clear policy, employers may find themselves navigating complex situations without a consistent framework.

Key Benefits of a ‘Relationships at Work’ Policy

Clarity and Consistency: A well-drafted policy sets expectations for all employees, helping to avoid misunderstandings and ensuring consistent handling of disclosures and disputes.

Risk Management: It helps mitigate legal risks, particularly around harassment, data protection, and conflicts of interest – especially where one party has managerial authority over another.

Workplace Culture: Encouraging transparency and professionalism supports a respectful and inclusive environment, which can improve morale and productivity.

Compliance with Evolving Law: With recent updates to the Employment Rights Bill and a growing emphasis on employer duties to prevent harassment, having proactive policies in place is increasingly seen as best practice.

What Should a ‘Relationships at Work’ Policy Include?

  • A clear definition of what constitutes a workplace relationship.
  • Disclosure requirements and confidentiality assurances.
  • Guidance on managing conflicts of interest.
  • The consequences of non-disclosure or inappropriate conduct.

Download a Free ‘Relationships at Work’ Sample Policy

To help you get started, we’ve created a downloadable sample ‘Relationships at Work’ policy that you can adapt to suit your organisation’s needs.

A ‘Relationships at Work’ policy isn’t about policing personal lives, it’s about protecting your people and your business. As employment law continues to evolve in 2025, now is the time to review your internal policies and ensure they reflect both legal obligations and the realities of modern working life.

Need help tailoring a policy to your business? Our employment law team is here to support you.

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