Hostile workplace relationships: legislature needs employer input to change laws.

• Author: Brown, Andy

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Amy and Adam (not their real names) both worked on the line at Acme Co. (not its real name) and got to know each other, started dating and became romantically involved. After a few months, Amy broke it off even though Adam wanted to stay together. He would spend time at work trying to get back together and it became not only a distraction for Amy, but also it became bothersome. She complained to her supervisors and they conducted a full investigation. They told Adam he would have to keep his distance from Amy when at work because his actions could be construed as harassment. Adam agreed, but began calling Amy at home and consistently running into her on the weekends and after hours. He was able to find out where she was going on the weekends because they shared friends at work.

Amy complained the work environment was becoming uncomfortable for her because Adam worked so close on the line and was still pestering her when off work. The company again called Adam in and told him they were going to change his work schedule. They explained even though his actions were not during work, they were creating tension and a hostile work environment in the office. The executive staff also made it clear his conduct was not only unprofessional, but also illegal and if any further incidents occurred, Adam would be fired.

Adam changed shifts and genuinely got the message. He apologized to his supervisors and said it would not happen again. He wanted to apologize to Amy, but she, understandably, was not taking his phone calls and he no longer saw her at work due to the shift change. He bought her a tasteful card and wrote an apology inside. He also bought a small bouquet of flowers and came to work early. He did not want to risk a confrontation, so he found her car in the company parking lot, placed the card and flowers on the driver's seat and went in to get ready for his shift before Amy came out.

Needless to say, Amy was quite upset and filed a formal complaint against the company for allowing the hostile work environment to persist. The company eventually ended up settling the suit and Adam lost his job.

The company did everything right and still got sued. Employees spend a lot of time together and relationships happen. Since relationships happen, break-ups happen and sometimes those break-ups aren't pretty. Is it fair that companies are sometimes held responsible for the bad behavior of their employees, even when they do everything...