Executive Relationships at work – ban, boundaries or blind eye?

Following the recent 4th IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the breakout session, 'Executive Relationships at work – ban, boundaries or blind eye?'

In this insightful discussion between the IFSEA annual conference panellists, our excellent panel explore whether relationships in the workplace can ever be appropriate or safe and how employers might seek to manage the workplace risks:

Pooja Dasgupta, CM Murray LLP, UK
Linky Trott, Edwin Coe LLP, UK
Terese M. Connolly, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Chicago, USA

In particular, the panel discuss: 

• the key factors for employers to take into account if considering implementing an outright ban on relationships at work, including discussion relating to the potential differences in approach in respect of relationships involving C-Suite executives
   

• the range of potential legal claims arising from a breakdown of the relationship (or, indeed, the impact of the relationship on other staff members) and the significance of the risks posed to the individuals concerned and the employer, both from a UK and US perspective
   

• practical takeaways for employers looking to introduce an effective relationships at work policy to mitigate against potential legal, regulatory and reputational risks, including careful drafting of the extent and timing of disclosure/reporting obligations and the importance of regular training