At Oda, we value the well-being of our employees and believe in maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace environment. This policy aims to provide guidance for close relationships between employees, to ensure a harmonious workplace while respecting individual choices.
Definition of close relationship: A close relationship refers to romantic, dating, or personal relationships between employees that extend beyond the scope of professional interactions and where the relationship could influence the work situation.
Close relationships include, but are not limited to:Β
Spouse, romantic partner, or significant other
Parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, or other close family members
Other individuals with a similarly close personal bond (for example very close friends or former partners)
Relationships sometimes occur in the workplace, and we believe that all employees in Oda should be free to choose their partners. However, when close relationships develop and exist in the workplace, they have the potential to negatively impact the company, team and other employees.
Our workplace relationship policy provides guidelines that our employees should follow when they're in close relations with another employee - either romantically, sexually, or by close family relations.Β
As a company, we will always examine each case individually, and consider all aspects and perspectives before deciding on the best approach, if any accommodations are needed. We will always keep our employees' freedom and individual rights in mind and follow the law.
For new hires, candidates must disclose any close relationships with employees in the company that could affect impartiality or work conditions.
All employees are responsible for informing their manager or the People Team if they have, or develop, a close relationship at work. This ensures the situation is handled according to the policy.
If there is an existing relation covered by this policy, the company will work with the employees to find a solution that protects both parties, usually by moving one of the employees to another shift or department.
If an employee deliberately fails to disclose a relevant relationship, this may be considered a breach of loyalty and could lead to disciplinary action.
If you need support with this topic please reach out to your closest leader or the People Teamβ₯οΈ
A close relation is defined as someone you are dating, in a relationship with, or have a close family relation to. If the manager is responsible for assigning work tasks, has personnel responsibility, is responsible for salary negotiations, performance management, etc., a number of unfortunate situations can arise. It can be perceived as problematic for other employees who may suspect unequal or preferential treatment.
To ensure a fair, trustworthy and professional work environment, we do not allow close relationships between managers and employees who:
Have a direct reporting line to each other, or
Work in the same team or department if the relationship could affect work tasks, decisions, or the work environment.
To avoid these situations, we do not believe that there should be any close relations within the managerial line and department. That said, we recognise that these situations can occur. If they do, please speak to your manager and/or People as soon as possible. In such cases, we will look into possibilities to move employees to other parts of the organisation to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Sometimes employees develop close relationships during their employment. It is important that employees inform their manager when this happens so the situation can be handled appropriately.Β
Employees in a close relationship are not allowed to work in the same team or within the same shift in a department. In such cases, the manager and the People Team will assess the situation and consider moving on of the employees to another team or within another shift in a department to avoid conflicts of interest.
Before you decide to date a colleague, please consider whether any conflicts of interest may arise. A relationship between the two of you (or a possible breakup) could affect your work and those around you.Β
Things to think about if you are in a close relationship at work:
While we won't object to any employee relationships between colleagues, our workplace is a professional setting, and we should all treat each other with respect and avoid hindering other people's work.
We expect all employees to always behave appropriately and follow our Code of Conduct. This means you and your partner should behave in a way that does not:
Hinder operation or team cooperation
Embarrass your colleagues
Distracts your colleagues from their work
If you find that your work is affected by dating a colleague, talk to your manager, People, or an employee representative.Β
Examples of appropriate behavior are:
Talking with your partner during breaks
Coming to and leaving work together
Examples of inappropriate behavior are:
Arguing and having extensive personal discussions in the workplace
Kissing or touching inappropriately in front of colleagues or clients (this also includes social events arranged by Oda)
Visit each other in the workplace during the work day to discuss tasks, in a way that may be disruptive to other employees
Exchanging and excessive amount of messages or calls during working hours
If your relationship ends, make sure to maintain professionalism so that the situation won't disrupt your workplace. You shouldn't talk negatively about your former partner, sabotage their work, or reveal any intimate details. All these break our Code of Conduct about respect in the workplace. If your former partner behaves this way or you find it difficult to work with them, talk to your manager or People to figure out a good solution.
If you're experiencing emotional or psychological issues, please talk to your manager or People.