Valentines poll shows love can slow down retail

On Valentines Day, 75 per cent of workers in the retail sector see relationships at work having a negative impact on productivity in the workplace, according to a survey released today by recruitment specialist Adecco. One striking aspect of the findings is that more companies (27%) acknowledge the 14th February, than have a clear policy on relationships at work (15%).

The Valentines poll, conducted across Adecco Retail branches throughout the UK, assessed retail workers attitudes towards inter-staff relationships and their knowledge of company policies on the matter. The key findings were:

*Thin on policy - Only 15 per cent of respondents have worked for companies where there has been a clear policy on inter-staff relationships, though an additional 39 per cent said that personal relationships at work were frowned upon

*Retail Romeos - Over half of respondents were aware of personal relationships taking place in their workplace

*Big hearts - Cupidís bow is still poised with a quarter of retail companies acknowledging Valentines Day

The survey highlights the confusion that exists in companies on what is the appropriate way to handle the fine line between private and personal lives at work. Over two-thirds of respondents believe a relationship at work is personal and an employer should have no say in it. However, the proportion of time spent at work has increased, and as a result, so has the likelihood of people meeting partners in the work environment. The Adecco opinion poll shows such situations can impact on the productivity of the company.

Sarah Blancke, Head of Retail at Adecco comments, Relationships at work, break-ups and appropriate behaviour can be hot topics for todayís retail companies. Businesses need to be aware of the work implications of inter-staff relationships and the potentially damaging affects such issues may have on a working environment in some instances.

She continues, The key is finding the balance between ensuring productivity at work and a comfortable working environment for all staff members, whilst not being seen as over intrusive. In most instances companies are likely to review the circumstances and context on a individual basis, so people understand what is considered acceptable and appropriate behaviour.

With 62 per cent of workers against companies applying ínanny-stateí rules, finding the appropriate guidance is difficult, but there is a greater risk if ambiguity around the subject exists. Retail companies need to be fair and open when dealing with the sensitive issue of personal relationships.

Companies need to avoid the Romeo and Juliet factor, where people feel unnecessarily controlled and rebel against a rule or policy. Every company has a different culture, which will result in diverse approaches to relationships at work. There are no rules for love in the outside world, so creating them for the workplace is a challenge, comments Sarah.