Straight from the heart and “out of mind”: strategies for managers to navigate workplace romance

Abstract

Purpose

Workplace romance presents both opportunities and challenges for organizations, requiring strategic HR leadership to navigate effectively. This study explores the dynamics of workplace romance, its impact on organizational culture and performance, and strategic HR approaches to manage this complex phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

Information and data from various research blogs and websites have been studied to understand the concept of workplace romance and insights drawn by proposing a few practices for HR leaders.

Findings

This practitioner paper indicates a positive relationship and develops insights into how HR leaders’ good strategic practices help manage and mitigate workplace romance challenges.

Practical implications

HR leaders can foster a positive work environment while minimizing the risks associated with workplace relationships by developing clear policies, providing training and education, promoting transparency and fairness, implementing conflict resolution mechanisms and monitoring enforcement.

Originality/value

This paper explores the dynamics of workplace romance and its impact on organizational culture and performance. It also provides fresh insights into strategic HR approaches to managing this complex phenomenon in the workplace.

Citation

Panigrahy, N.P., Jena, L.K. and Priyadarshini, R.G. (2024), "Straight from the heart and “out of mind”: strategies for managers to navigate workplace romance", Strategic HR Review, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-09-2024-0074