PURPOSE / SCOPE:
ICOM is committed to an environment of respect, collegiality, fairness and trust. Romantic or sexual relationships with other employees have potential negative repercussions, thus ICOM has established the following guidelines to effectively address these situations.
POLICY AND PROCEDURE:
ICOM prohibits romantic or sexual relationships between a manager or other supervisory employee and his or her staff (an employee who reports directly or indirectly to that person) or students as such relationships tend to create compromising conflicts of interest or the appearance of such conflicts. In addition, such a relationship may give rise to the perception by others that there is favoritism or bias in employment decisions affecting the staff employee. Moreover, given the uneven balance of power within such relationships, consent by the staff member is suspect and may be viewed by others or, at a later date, by the staff member as having been given as the result of coercion or intimidation. The atmosphere created by such appearances of bias, favoritism, intimidation, coercion or exploitation undermines the spirit of trust and mutual respect that is essential to a healthy work environment. If there is such a relationship, the parties need to be aware that one or both may be moved to a different department, or other actions may be taken.
If any employee of ICOM enters into a consensual relationship that is romantic or sexual in nature with a student, member of his or her staff (an employee who reports directly or indirectly to him or her), or if one of the parties is in a supervisory capacity in the same department in which the other party works, the parties must notify the VP of Human Resources & Organizational Development or other appropriate executive leader. Because of potential issues regarding quid pro quo harassment, ICOM has made reporting mandatory. This requirement does not apply to employees who do not work in the same department or to parties who do not supervise or otherwise manage responsibilities over the other.
Once the relationship is made known to ICOM, the company will review the situation with human resources in light of all the facts (reporting relationship between the parties, effect on co-workers, job titles of the parties, etc.) and will determine whether one or both parties need to be moved to another job or department. If it is determined that one party must be moved, and there are jobs in other departments available for both, the parties may decide who will be the one to apply for a new position. If the parties cannot amicably come to a decision, or the party is not chosen for the position to which he or she applied, the parties will contact human resources, which will decide which party should be moved. That decision will be based on which move will be least disruptive to the organization as a whole. If it is determined that one or both parties must be moved, but no other jobs are available for either party, the parties will be given the option of terminating their relationship or resigning.
PRIMARY POLICY OWNER:
VP of Human Resources & Organizational Development
APPROVAL:
Effective: 8/1/21
Last Reviewed: 5/19/23
Review Requirement: 5 Years