Sticky wickets! Experts confront delicate human resource issues.

• Author: Kulicke, Heidi

Managers are often faced with touchy situations:

Workplace romances.

Deadbeat employees.

Offensive conversations.

Bad personal hygiene.

The list goes on and on. But from a human resources perspective, what exactly can be done to alleviate these "sticky issues" we all encounter?

Clearly stated policies and procedures, both written and verbal, are often the answer, but in some cases a detailed employee handbook is not enough. Policies must be discussed routinely at meetings and training sessions. It's also important that employees can look to the professional behavior of management as an example. And when there is a violation, disciplinary action must be swift and thorough. But for those truly sticky situations, human resources professionals have specific advice about the best protocol for tackling the problem in a fair, legal and sensitive manner.

Dating and Harassment

Many people spend more time with coworkers than family, when factoring in commutes and sleep. With a common bond already in place, it's only natural for dating relationships to blossom for some singles. But it's not all roses when two people who meet at work become a couple. General distraction and a drop in productivity are common. And if the relationship turns sour, hostility, avoidance and gossip could burden the workplace. Because it's almost impossible to monitor, clearly stated policies are essential to addressing this issue, especially concerning a subordinate-supervisor scenario.

"A relationship that occurs between any supervisor and employee is setting up a potential sexual harassment case due to favoritism or perceived employment jeopardy," says Doug Moody of Solution Services, a professional employer organization based in American Fork. As a result, many companies prohibit such relationships; in fact, often one or both employees could be required to resign in order to avoid future problems, says Moody. Even when no inappropriate conduct is involved, fraternization with a subordinate may appear unfair to others.

Practically any work scenario between employees could evolve into unwelcome territory, depending on the circumstances. Employee advances toward another employee, however minor, may cause discomfort that leads to accusations of sexual harassment. There is no one-case-fits-all when determining whether something is or is not harassment, says Sharron Ngatikaura, human resources consultant with Employer Solutions Group. "It's completely subjective, depending on...