During the weeks of the alledged
scandal involving President Clinton's relationship with White House intern
Monica Lewinsky the New York Times ran stories of responsibility in the
working environment and the need for guidelines about social encounters in
the office as prepared by company employment lawyers. "Concentual
Relationship Agreements" are being drafted by many companies for employees
who can't resist temptation at the water cooler. These are written accords
to
prevent sexual harassment or discrimination suits if the relationship
goes down the tubes.
In protecting an individuals rights when it comes to pairing off at the
office we find contractual agreements like these:
Consensual Agreement One
Non supervisory
Insert personal information in brackets, suggested as guideline.
Check with your personal attorney.
The individuals indicate the following about their relationship:
[HIS NAME] works for [COMPANY NAME] in the capacity of [JOB TITLE].
[HER NAME] works for [COMPANY NAME] in the capacity of [JOB TITLE].
[NAME] has never worked directly under the supervision of [NAME]
These employees work and interact on a professional level. Job tasks do
not require interaction. These employees desire to enter into a consensual
relationship. Welcomed by both and is unrelated to company business. As of
[THIS DATE] the agreement is mutually respected by these employees and does
not violate the standard regulations of Sexual Harassment Policies
established by [THE COMPANY]. They agree the social relationship is
welcome, voluntary and consensual.
Both parties have discussed the consequences of their social relationship
and professional relationship and have discussed the matter with councel
choice. Each has read and is in accord with [THE COMPANY] Sexual Harassment
policy. Each had signed this agreement and filed a copy with [THE
COMPANY].
Each agrees that public displays of their social relationship in the
working environment will be discouraged and the decorum of a professional
working environment will be maintained.
Both agree the social relationship may be terminated by either party at
any time and will not adversely effect their working relationship. Neither
will request a position with [THE COMPANY] that puts them in direct
Supervisor/Subordinate positions.
If necessary both will agree to abide by [THE COMPANY] arbitration
policies.
Each agrees to these terms by signature following this text, and having
sought the advise
of councel understands the terms and conditions of this agreement.
Consensual Agreement Two
Supervisor/Subordinates, guidelines.
Consult a personal attorney.
[SUPERVISOR] values relationship with [SUBORDINATE]. The relationship is
mutual,
voluntary, consensual and welcome.
The relationship is not against the will of [SUBORDINATE] and will not
effect the working relationship.
Both are equally comfortable with this relationship. Should the
relationship terminate it will not effect the [SUBORDINATES] position with
[THE COMPANY].
Both parties are aware of [THE COMPANY] Sexual Harassment policy. Have
read, reviewed and discussed this policy and mutually agree to the
stipulations.
Signatures of both parties below this text stipulate agreement and mutual
accord. Their social relationship is and has been voluntary, consensual
and welcome. Both agree each is free to terminate the social relationship
at any time and such termination will not effect adversely their position
with [THE COMPANY].
